Eddie Howe lauded the impression of Arne Slot with Premier League leaders Liverpool, although insists the title race is much from over forward of Newcastle United’s assembly on Wednesday.
Liverpool are 9 factors clear on the summit heading into the midweek motion, having dispatched Manchester Metropolis with a 2-0 win at Anfield on Sunday.
That opened up an 11-point hole between the Reds and Pep Guardiola’s defending champions, but Howe believes the title battle is much from over in December.
“No, I believe nothing is ever safe or executed till it’s executed,” stated Howe. “The Premier League is thought for twists and turns, so who is aware of what’s going to occur.
“I believe they’re a crew in the meanwhile enjoying with full confidence, they’ve nonetheless received the hallmark of Liverpool underneath Jurgen Klopp.
“However Arne has now had his time with the crew and tweaked sure issues, that makes them a really tough proposition as a result of they’ve added new strengths.”
Subsequent up…
The Reds are on the street to tackle Newcastle United at St James’ Park pic.twitter.com/1cJia0wkBa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2024
Newcastle had been defeated 2-0 at dwelling by West Ham earlier than a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace final Saturday.
Slot believes travelling to Newcastle will pose a more durable check than going through Actual Madrid, nevertheless, having defeated Los Blancos final week within the Champions League.
“We all know we now have a tough week arising once more,” Slot stated.
“We thought Madrid and Metropolis had been very tough groups to face, which they really had been as effectively. I believe it’s even tougher going away to Newcastle.
“We’re not even midway by way of the season but.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Newcastle United – Alexander Isak
Health allowing if Alexander Isak can shake off a knock suffered at Palace, the Sweden striker will probably be key to any dwelling hopes right here.
The Newcastle ahead has 21 targets in 30 dwelling Premier League appearances, though he has solely scored twice from 18 makes an attempt at St James’ Park this season.
Liverpool – Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah stole the present as soon as extra towards Metropolis, scoring from the penalty spot and aiding Cody Gakpo’s opener.
The Liverpool star has additionally been concerned in 14 Premier League targets towards Newcastle (eight targets, six assists), with these coming in his final 13 appearances towards them.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 2, 2024
MATCH PREDICTION – LIVERPOOL WIN
Liverpool are agency favourites for this one contemplating they’ve received every of their final six conferences with Newcastle within the Premier League.
The Magpies are winless within the final 15 top-flight conferences total (D4 L11), whereas Liverpool have received 5 of their final six league visits to St. James’ Park.
Certainly, the Reds’ three-match profitable streak on the street towards Newcastle is their longest such streak towards Wednesday’s hosts within the competitors.
Anticipate drama, too, given Liverpool have received 11 Premier League video games by which they’ve trailed towards Newcastle, essentially the most comeback wins one facet has towards one other within the competitors’s historical past.
To make issues worse for the hosts, they’ve received simply one among their final 26 Premier League conferences towards sides beginning the day high of the desk (D7 L18), a feat which may proceed right here.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Newcastle United win – 26.2%
Draw – 23.6%
Liverpool win – 50.2%