Liverpool vs Newcastle match preview & betting odds

Premier League action returns this weekend after the international break with Liverpool kicking things off when they entertain Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

The Reds went into the two-week hiatus sitting top of the table – one point ahead of defending champions Manchester City – after taking a maximum 12 points from their opening four games against Norwich City, Southampton, Arsenal and Burnley.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are determined to go one better than last season when they missed out on the title by just one point and they will be looking to extend their winning run with another victory over Newcastle this weekend.

The Geordies head to Merseyside needing to get back to winning ways after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Watford last time out but they proved with an impressive 1-0 win at Tottenham that they can spring a surprise on the big boys so Liverpool shouldn’t take anything for granted.

Betting odds

Understandably, Liverpool are the heavy favourites to collect all three points as they have a formidable record at Anfield having not lost on home soil in the league for over 40 games. Most bookmakers such as Eagle Bet have the Reds as the 1/7 odds-on favourites to win on Saturday and it would take a brave man to bet against Klopp’s men.

If you do fancy an upset, then Newcastle can be backed at odds of around 22/1 – which could tempt some bettors considering their recent win at Tottenham – while the draw could also be attractive at odds of 8/1.

Betting tips

Newcastle often save their best performances for the games against the ‘big 6’ and Steve Bruce will be desperate to win over some disgruntled fans with a positive result this weekend. However, it’s difficult to see past Liverpool here as they are outstanding at Anfield with their passionate fans behind them so I have to back a home win.

Games immediately after the international break can be tricky as managers don’t have much time to prepare their team once the players arrive back from representing their countries so I don’t expect a vintage Liverpool performance. Newcastle will be set-up to sit back and frustrate the Reds so I don’t think this will be a high-scoring game. Therefore, under 2.5 goals at odds of 2/1 looks very tempting.

However, Liverpool should have more than enough firepower to get the job done with the likes of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in attack so I’m backing the hosts to ease to a 2-0 win – which can be backed at 5/1 win the bookies.