Liverpool is firing on all cylinders right now. Jurgen Klopp’s attack has looked phenomenal over the last couple weeks with the Reds thrashing Porto 5-0 in the Champions League and cruising to a 4-1 win over West Ham. There’s never been any doubt that this is one of the most talented offenses in the Premier League, but Liverpool seems like it has really figured it out lately.
However, don’t count the Magpies out. Newcastle has one of the top defenses of any of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Additionally, manager Rafael Benitez has plenty of experience in Anfield. Benitez was Liverpool’s manager from 2004 to 2010 and knows quite a bit about his opponent.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Anfield at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Newcastle +1129
Liverpool -454
Draw +567
Over/Under 3, 3.5
Odds Analysis
Liverpool is one of the biggest favorites of the weekend simply because of what this offense has done recently. The Reds have a creative attack that can start through any player or anywhere on the field, making it very difficult for opponents to shut it down.
Oddsmakers know how potent this attack can be. The total is the highest of any match this week even though Newcastle has a good defense and will try to hold the line as long as possible.
When these teams met at St. James’ Park near the start of the season, Liverpool was frustrated by Newcastle’s defense. The Reds managed to get an early goal from Philippe Coutinho, but Joselu leveled several minutes later to make it 1-1. Liverpool was unable to break through to get the full three points despite dominating possession. The club is hoping for a different result this time.
Key Injuries
Both sides are relatively healthy heading into this one.
That’s great news for Jurgen Klopp, whose team has been hampered by injuries throughout the year. Two of Liverpool’s substitutes may not play due to illness, but his preferred starting eleven looks good to go. The last piece of the puzzle recently returned to the lineup as right back Nathaniel Clyne played the full 90 minutes for Liverpool’s U-23 side last weekend and should be ready for action.
As for Newcastle, the club is still going to be without deadline acquisition Islam Slimani. Slimani has been sidelined with a thigh injury since coming over on a loan from Leicester City and looks to be out for another couple weeks. Additionally, forward Dwight Gayle and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey may be out for this match, but will be evaluated in the next couple days.
Recent Form
Liverpool has scored multiple goals in five straight matches at this point. Aside from their big wins against Porto and West Ham, they defeated both Huddersfield Town and Southampton by at least two goals and drew with Tottenham 2-2 a few weeks back.
The Magpies are near the bottom of the table and fighting off relegation. They have been able to get a result in each of their last four matches, drawing with Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth, and knocking off Manchester United.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The trio of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, and Roberto Firmino have been incredible over the last few weeks. These three have been performing at a very high level and their fluid passing and clinical finishing have made Liverpool one of the scariest teams over the last few weeks.
As good as they have been, Benitez is going to have his defense ready for this one. It will take a while for Liverpool to break through after a goalless first half, but the Reds will get the win. Under is the play to make though.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 2, Newcastle 0
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