Liverpool vs Newcastle preview | Latest team news | Expected line-up’s | Prediction

Premier League action returns this weekend after the international break and Liverpool kick things off when they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

The Reds ensured they remain top of the Premier League table – two points ahead of defending champions Manchester City – after beating Burnley 3-0 at Turf Moor before the two week hiatus.

That victory extended Liverpool’s perfect start to the new season to four matches so Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to maintain their 100% record in the league with another win over Newcastle tomorrow afternoon.

However, the Geordies will head to Merseyside looking to cause an upset with Steve Bruce hoping to replicate the 1-0 win they earned at Tottenham last month so Liverpool shouldn’t be taking anything for granted this weekend.

Team news

Liverpool will continue to be without Alisson Becker as their No.1 isn’t expected to be back from a serious calf injury until after next months international break so Adrian will once again deputise in goal tomorrow.

Naby Keita is also still on the sidelines with a groin injury that’s hampered him all season. The midfielder could be back in full training next week but the Newcastle game comes too soon.

James Milner is pushing for a recall as he’s well rested following the two week break but Roberto Firmino may not be risked from the start after starting both of Brazil’s games and the striker only arrived back at Melwood today.

Newcastle have received a blow with the news that Sean Longstaff will miss the trip to Anfield with an ankle injury. Allan Saint-Maximin, Andy Carroll, Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle, Florian Lejeune and DeAndre Yedlin all remain on the sidelines.

Expected line-ups

Predicted score

Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle: The Reds have a formidable record against Newcastle having not lost any of their last 23 league games at Anfield against them so it’s difficult to build an argument for an away win here. The Geordies did shock Spurs a few weeks ago but they were very fortunate that day and Klopp’s side won’t be so wasteful in front of goal.

I don’t think we’ll see a vintage Liverpool performance as it’s usually tough to get back into the swing of things straight after the international break but I do expect the hosts to ease to a routine 2-0 win tomorrow.