The opening Premier League game of 2024 is a big one, as Newcastle United head to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
While these two sides both have lofty ambitions this term, the Magpies’ hopes have been clipped by an injury crisis.
Eddie Howe’s side were beaten 3-1 at home to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, with fatigue really taking its toll on them.
Monday takes them to Anfield to face a Liverpool side who are unbeaten across 14 home games in all competitions this term.
- Liverpool -1 handicap
- Liverpool to win 3-0
- Mohamed Salah to score first
Reds To Ease To Victory
It’s hard to have much faith in Newcastle at the minute, as their injury crisis has given them little room for rotation.
That hit them hard throughout a busy December, leading to issues across three competitions.
The Magpies exited both the Carabao Cup and Champions League, while they’re midtable in the league.
Newcastle can blame a lot on injuries, but their away record has been bad regardless this term.
With just one win and six defeats from nine trips, Howe’s side are poor travellers. They have been beaten in four straight league away days, with three of those defeats coming by two goals or greater.
Liverpool head into this game with a brilliant home record, which has seen them win seven and draw two at Anfield in the league this term.
They’ve been scoring goals for fun, with six of those seven wins seeing at least a two-goal margin.
The Reds can build on that fine record with another big win to kick-off 2024. Look to Liverpool to add to Newcastle’s woes, with the hosts on the -1 handicap our first selection.
Comfortable Win For Hosts
Liverpool have scored exactly three goals on five occasions at home in the league this term and they should find plenty of joy against this Newcastle backline.
Forest ran them ragged last week and the Reds have the talent to do the same.
Liverpool also have a stellar defensive record at their own ground, conceding just six times. The visitors have seen their goals dry up of late, having lost to nil in three of their last four away games in the Premier League.
Newcastle have conceded twice in five of their last six league trips and a visit to Anfield is arguably their biggest test in that stretch. With that considered, look to the hosts to record a 3-0 victory.
Salah Primed For Departure
Liverpool’s title charge could take a hit in January, with forward Mohamed Salah departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Egyptian could be away for a month, leaving the Reds a little lightweight up top.
However, Salah is expected to feature at Anfield on Monday before joining up with his national side.
The forward has 12 league goals for Liverpool this term, with nine of those strikes coming at Anfield.
Salah has opened the scoring on six occasions for the Reds this season and with his departure looming, back him to make a quick start against the injury-hit Magpies.
