Liverpool Set to Face Struggling Newcastle on New Year’s Day
Liverpool will kick off the new year with a match against Newcastle at Anfield. The two teams are currently experiencing contrasting forms, with Liverpool winning seven out of their last 11 games, while Newcastle has lost six out of their last seven matches. Newcastle’s poor form continued with a 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, and injuries to key players have raised concerns about the team’s performance.
Kieran Trippier, Newcastle’s right-back, has been under scrutiny for his recent high-profile errors. In the match against Forest, he made the most inaccurate crosses (16) of any player in the Premier League this season. Speaking after the defeat, Trippier acknowledged that his own standards have dropped along with the rest of the team. However, he remains determined to bounce back and believes in the team’s ability to regroup and improve.
Newcastle will face a tough challenge when they visit Liverpool, as the Reds have already defeated them 2-1 at St James’ Park in August. Despite their recent loss, Trippier has called on his teammates to stay united and ignore external criticism. He emphasized the importance of believing in each other and starting the second half of the season strong.
On New Year’s Day, Newcastle will be without several key players due to injuries, including Nick Pope, Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Javi Manquillo, Matt Targett, and Jamaal Lascelles. This further adds to the challenges they will face against Liverpool.
In conclusion, Liverpool enters the match as the clear favorites, while Newcastle will need to overcome their poor form and injury setbacks to stand a chance against their formidable opponents.