Liverpool face Newcastle in the Premier League tonight, with the hosts looking to maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the table.
Arne Slot’s side eased to an impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City last week to take a huge step closer to a 20th top-flight title, and tonight they face one of the most difficult tests from their remaining games as they welcome Newcastle to Anfield.
Eddie Howe’s side earned a dramatic 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest last week, and they come into the game firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, in sixth place and level on points with City in fifth.
These two sides played out one of the games of the season in a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park in December, though a repeat of that result favours one side far more than the other tonight.
And Liverpool will be without Slot on the touchline after the Dutchman received a two-game ban for his conduct following the Merseyside derby earlier this month. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game:
When is Liverpool vs Newcastle?
The match kicks off at 8:15pm GMT on Wednesday, 26 February at Anfield.
How can I watch the match?
The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7:30pm. Subscribers can also watch online or on the discovery+ app.
Team news
Arne Slot has no new injury concerns after the win over City with Alexis Mac Allister cleared to feature, though Conor Bradley remains out. Joe Gomez is similarly still sidelined.
Cody Gakpo made his return for the Reds at the weekend, so he could be fit to start on the left.
For Newcastle, Joelinton and Sven Botman are the only long-term injuries, with nothing new to report after the win over Nottingham Forest.
Sandro Tonali could return to the side in midfield ahead of Lewis Miley, with the rest of the side likely to stay the same as they face the league leaders.
Predicted line-ups
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Jota.
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Odds
Liverpool win - 1/2
Draw - 7/2
Newcastle win - 5/1
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Prediction
As with the return fixture, this match should provide plenty of intensity and quality in a close encounter. At this point, all Liverpool have to do is avoid losses, so they may not quite go all-out as there Magpies visit.
Liverpool 2-2 Newcastle.
