Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Premier League tonight, with the league leaders looking to keep up their 11-point lead at the top of the table.
The Reds’ convincing 2-0 win over Manchester City at the weekend means that they are another step closer to a 20th top-flight title, and tonight they face one of their toughest remaining games as they take on the Magpies at Anfield.
Eddie Howe’s side stayed on course for the Champions League places with a dramatic 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest last week, and they sit in fifth ahead of kick-off, level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City.
Both sides will likely have an eye on March’s Carabao Cup final as they face off for the penultimate time this season, and this is a game that promises fireworks after the 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park in December.
Follow all the latest build-up, team news and updates from Anfield here:
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE
Liverpool face Newcastle in the Premier League, with kick-off at 8.15pm
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Wilson, Gordon.
Newcastle's top scorer Alexander Isak not in squad to face Liverpool
Liverpool FC 1 - 0 Newcastle United FC
'The criticism used to be that he didn't score enough'
20:32 , Richard Jolly
“Two goals in two games for Dominik Szoboszlai, four in eight.
“The criticism used to be that, for a No 10 at a club like Liverpool, he didn't score enough. After his terrific performance against Manchester City, he is off to a fine start tonight.
“And while Newcastle's tweak of tactics was a search for solidity, they are 1-0 down already.”
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
20:28 , Will Castle
11 mins: GOAL! Liverpool are up and running for the night!
Luis Diaz dribbles into the box from the left before firing a deft pass to Dominik Szoboszlai on the penalty spot, who tucks a shot through two legs and past Nick Pope in goal.
Really can’t understate just how instrumental the Hungarian midfielder has been this season. After a bumpy first season on Merseyside, Arne Slot is truly getting the best out of him.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:25 , Will Castle
10 mins: Newcastle finally get an opportunity to break on the counter after early Liverpool dominance.
They’ve got men in black and white surging forward as Murphy receives the ball on the right, but his delivery is poor and goes right over Alisson’s crossbar.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:24 , Will Castle
8 mins: Newcastle have got everyone behind the ball at the moment. They’re just letting Liverpool settle more and more into this game.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:21 , Will Castle
6 mins: Lovely ball from Salah to try and pick out Diaz in behind, but he’s thwarted by a vital intervention by Schar.
Liverpool pinging the ball about with confidence so far.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:20 , Will Castle
3 mins: We’ve got an early penalty claim here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold plays a ball in behind to Mo Salah, who has Lewis Hall with him.
Hall then takes a tumble and brings Salah with him - it looks like a stonewall penalty, but referee Stuart Attwell instead deems it a foul in favour of Newcastle.
Salah looks bewildered. Newcastle have got away with one there.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:16 , Will Castle
1 min: KICK-0FF! The heavens have opened and we’re underway at Anfield.
Kick-off fast approaching
20:10 , Will Castle
Just a few minutes until kick-off as both sets of teams prepare to step out under the Anfield lights.
Liverpool will be looking to continue full steam ahead after a statement win at Man City on Sunday, chasing down that elusive record-equalling 20th league title.
However, Newcastle won’t go easy, and with aspirations of a Champions League return, they’ll be eager to cause an upset tonight - even if they have to do it without Alexander Isak.
Stay tuned for all the action, right here.
Eddie Howe plays down impact of Arne Slot's touchline ban
20:08 , Will Castle
Eddie Howe isn’t banking on Arne Slot’s absence on the touchline making the difference for tonight’s clash at Anfield.
“I wish that would be a deciding factor in the game, but I don't think it will,” Howe told TNT Sports.
“I think a manager can have a certain degree of influence through the game, but it's the players that make the difference.
“I'm just looking for my players to perform to their maximum.”
Match facts
20:05 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool have scored at least twice in each of their last 17 home games in all competitions.
Mo Salah has scored four goals in last two Premier League games against Newcastle, netting a brace in both.
Alexander Isak has scored 10 away goals in the Premier League this season – only Andrew Cole (12 in 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (11 in 2001-02) have netted more on the road in a single campaign for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe provides Isak injury update
20:03 , Will Castle
Alexander Isak is out of tonight’s clash with Liverpool due to a groin issue - but luckily for Newcastle, Eddie Howe has quelled any fears that the injury is serious.
“It’s really disappointing that we lose Alex, but he's a player that we can't take any risks with,” Howe told TNT Sports.
“It became apparent in the last day or so after the last game that he was just feeling something, so he misses out today.
“It's a big blow because he's been so good for us this season. We don't know [how long he’ll be out] at the moment but we don't think it's serious at all.
“Part of our mind is to try and keep him available for the following games we have.”
What could a Champions League spot mean for Newcastle?
20:00 , Chris Wilson
With the Magpies chasing a Champions League spot for the second time in three seasons, it’s worth considering what a place in Europe’s premier cup competition could bring the club.
Since the Saudi takeover in 2021, the club have seen Champions League football just once, in the 2023/24 season, where they failed to make it out of the groups despite recording a couple of famous results.
And this season, with interest surrounding Alexander Isak and questions in some areas surrounding the ‘success’ of the ownership so far, Champions League football could provide an especially important key to future success.
As well as potentially helping to keep key players for at least another season, a place in the competition would also allow Newcastle increased revenues and the ability to spend more in the summer – something that could be key to PSR and the longer-term assembly of a squad capable of regularly challenging for trophies.
Match facts
19:50 , Chris Wilson
Since losing their first Premier League home game against Newcastle 2-0 in April 1994, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 28 against the Magpies at Anfield in the competition (W23 D5).
Newcastle are winless in their last 16 Premier League games against Liverpool (D5 L11) since a 2-0 win in December 2015 under Steve McClaren.
The numbers behind Mohamed Salah’s ‘special’ season rivalling Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo peak
19:45 , Chris Wilson
Another week, another record. Mohamed Salah took his extraordinary season to further heights with a goal and assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City, a result that takes the Reds a step closer to winning just a second league title in 35 years.
Salah’s 25th Premier League goal and 16th assist of the campaign means he is on course to smash the current record, held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, for the most Premier League goal involvements in a single season. At 32, and with his Liverpool contract running out in the summer, Salah’s form is better than ever and the Egyptian is being driven on by his motivation of adding a second Premier League crown.
“Maybe people prefer my first seasons or now, but I prefer now because winning the league, helping the young players. It is special,” he told Sky Sports after Liverpool opened up an 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League. “We need another title.”
The numbers behind Salah’s ‘special’ season rivalling Messi and Ronaldo peak
Head-to-head
19:40 , Chris Wilson
These two sides have played out one of the Premier League’s most entertaining rivalries over the years, and they have met 163 times in the past.
Liverpool have won 80 of these previous games, with the Magpies winning 42 and 41 ending as draws.
Earlier this season, the two clubs played out one of the games of the season in a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park.
Liverpool vs Newcastle brings Carabao Cup final preview
19:35 , Chris Wilson
For those who don’t remember, it is these two sides who will contesting the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on 16 March.
Liverpool beat Spurs to earn their Wembley places while Newcastle dispatched Arsenal over two legs, and the two clubs will now contest the first silverware of the season as the Magpies look to end a 70-year trophy drought.
Liverpool won the League Cup last season when they beat Chelsea, and Arne Slot will hope this final can give the Reds added impetus – and a first trophy of his tenure – ahead of the title run-in.
Nevertheless, as evidenced by the match between the two at St James, Newcastle can cause plenty of problems for Slot’s side, and the emotion of potentially ending their trophy drought could well take them to their first major trophy since 1955.
When can Liverpool win the Premier League title?
19:25 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool’s statement 2-0 win over Manchester City at the weekend has been hailed in some corners as the win that essentially wrapped up the 2024/25 Premier League title.
The result extended the Reds’ lead at the top of the league to 11 points with 11 games left to play, and though Arsenal have a game in hand, it does not look like Arne Slot’s side – who have lost just once all season – will relinquish such a sizeable lead.
The Reds need just 26 points out of a possible 33, with Arsenal only able to obtain a maximum of 89 points – if they were to win all of their remaining 12 games, that is.
Liverpool fans may still be looking over their shoulders with some nerves, but the truth is that the club is edging towards another top-flight title – but when is the earliest that they could clinch number 20?
When can Liverpool win the Premier League title?
Liverpool won’t be distracted by Arsenal’s results in title race, Arne Slot insists
19:15 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot says Liverpool cannot get wrapped up in what title rivals Arsenal are doing as the Premier League leaders continue preparations for Sunday’s tough trip to Manchester City.
The Reds have an eight-point cushion at the top of the standings following Wednesday’s hard-fought 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
But Arsenal, who have a game in hand, can cut that advantage before Liverpool take to the field at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool won’t be distracted by Arsenal’s results in title race, Arne Slot insists
Alexander Isak misses out through injury
19:13 , Will Castle
The big news from tonight’s team news is that Alexander Isak misses out for Newcastle tonight through injury.
The club have described the issue as a ‘slight groin problem’ on X, so Eddie Howe will surely be hopeful that his leading goalscorer can make a comeback for their FA Cup clash against Brighton on Sunday.
Nevertheless, a huge blow for the Magpies - who are now without their key source of firepower against the league leaders.
'A couple of significant absentees tonight'
19:11 , Richard Jolly at Anfield
“A couple of significant absentees at Anfield tonight.
“No Arne Slot, who starts a touchline ban, for Liverpool and no Alexander Isak, who has a slight groin problem, for Newcastle.
“So it is a big night for Callum Wilson, who makes a belated first start of an injury-hit season.
“In one respect, it is a bigger night for Newcastle than Liverpool: Eddie Howe's team are caught up in the traffic of the crowded race for the fourth and fifth Champions League spots.
“Liverpool will have a comfortable lead at the end of the night, whatever happens.”
Liverpool vs Newcastle: Confirmed team news
19:06 , Will Castle
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Elliot, Robertson, Quansah.
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Wilson, Gordon.
Subs: Dubravka, Ruddy, Trippier, Barnes, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff, Miley.
Newcastle targeting a return to Champions League football
18:45 , Chris Wilson
Newcastle sit in fifth place ahead of the midweek matches, with Eddie Howe’s side on track for Champions League football thanks to their win over Forest at the weekend.
The Magpies trail fourth-placed Man City on goal difference alone, and though they themselves are only a point ahead of Chelsea and Bournemouth (and one ahead of Aston Villa) they will be confident that they can earn a place in the top five come May.
While there is plenty to come with 12 matches left, the Magpies also have a fairly kind run of fixtures, with four of their remaining games coming against sides in the bottom six.
At the other end of the table, their match against Chelsea on 10 May could be crucial in securing a top four (or five) place.
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures - Liverpool or Arsenal?
18:35 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool are starting to believe that the Premier League is heading back to Anfield after the leaders won away at Manchester City to open up an 11-point lead over Arsenal in the title race.
A statement 2-0 victory at the Etihad, coupled with Arsenal’s defeat at home to West Ham, means Arne Slot’s side have one hand on the title with 11 games to go this season.
Although the manager played down the importance of their lead, seven of Liverpool’s remaining games are an home and the away supporters at the Etihad were signing about the title returning to Anfield for just the second time in 35 years after a first Premier League win at Manchester City since 2015.
There is still plenty of time for Arsenal to hunt Liverpool down, but the title race appears to be entering a decisive stretch of fixtures up until the March international break. It’s been an unpredictable year, so expect further twists and turns before May.
Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures - Liverpool or Arsenal?
Liverpool’s statement victory over Man City makes one thing clear
18:25 , Chris Wilson
The report from the Etihad...
Mind the gap. It looks unbridgeable now: 11 points to Arsenal, a barely credible 20 to Manchester City. A title race that began with City as red-hot favourites could be almost over before February is. The dominant team this season, Liverpool were vastly superior at the Etihad Stadium.
With Arne Slot borrowing from Pep Guardiola’s tactical blueprint to outwit the master with his twin false nines, with the magnificent Mohamed Salah underlining his credentials to win the individual awards, with Dominik Szoboszlai delivering perhaps the finest display of his Liverpool career, with Virgil van Dijk marshalling a defence that had conceded too often in the last two-and-a-half months to deliver a display of defiance, this felt like the victory that ended any doubt. A 20th league title is bound for Anfield.
Liverpool’s statement victory over Man City makes one thing clear
Prediction
18:15 , Chris Wilson
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.
Predicted line-ups
18:10 , Chris Wilson
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.
Team news
18:05 , Chris Wilson
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.
Team news
18:00 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot has no new injury concerns after the win over City, though Conor Bradley is not expected to return in time for this one. Joe Gomez also remains out.
Cody Gakpo made his return for the Reds at the weekend, so he could be fit to start on the left.
Is Liverpool vs Newcastle on TV?
17:50 , Chris Wilson
When is Liverpool vs Newcastle?
The match kicks off at 7.30pm 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 6.30pm. Subscribers can also watch online or on the discovery+ app.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE
17:40 , Chris Wilson
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 fifth place and level on points with City in fourth.
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.
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE
17:30 , Chris Wilson
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s match between Liverpool and Newcastle in the Premier League.
Leaders Liverpool managed to open up an 11-point gap at the top last week, and tonight they face a Newcastle side who are chasing Champions League qualification.
We’ll have all the latest updates, team news and build-up right here.
