Liverpool concludes the memorable 2020 with a Wednesday night clash at St James' Park against Newcastle United. Jurgen Klopp's side would aim to increase the difference in the table with second-placed United, while, Newcastle will try to break the winless streak at home.
Match Timings: Dec 31, 1:30 AM
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Liverpool will travel to 2021 with topping the table and they will play its final match of this historic year on road against Newcastle. 2020 delivered them the happiness of winning the Premier League after 30 years. The Reds are currently at the top of the table, two points better off the United. Last night, Man United defeated West Brom 1-0 to move second in the table. Klopp's men would try to end this year high as United will face Villa this week and if the Reds drop points here, Ole’s side can come close to Liverpool in the points.
The poor second half cost Liverpool two points in the previous game against West Brom. They dominated in the first half with a one-goal lead, courtesy of Sadio Mane’s 12th-minute strike. In the second half, West Brom equalised by Semi Ajayi's late equaliser. They dropped points for the first time at Anfield since January 2019. They have dropped points six times this season in the first 15 matches and in the previous edition, they did the same in the whole season. The defense might be questioned as the Reds have conceded 20 goals in the league this season. Th away numbers can trouble Liverpool but they broke this jinx against Crystal Palace. Klopp’s side have only won two of their seven away games this season.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are entering this fixture with poor form. After losing the EFL Cup quarterfinal against Brentford, Man City defeated them 2-0 at home. They are winless from four matches across all competitions, and this winless run started with the 5-2 defeat against Leeds at Elland Road. They played a home draw against struggling Fulham in the next match. Steve Bruce’s men moved to 15th, seven points from the relegation zone. This weekend, they have a tight doubleheader at home against Liverpool and Leicester City. The Magpies haven’t kept a clean sheet in their previous 11 home matches. They are unbeaten in their previous four home games against the Reds. Newcastle can take inspiration from West Brom’s hard-fought draw against Klopp's side in Anfield.
Possible Lineups & Current Form
Newcastle
Darlow; Manquillo, Fernandez, Schar, Clark, Lewis; Ritchie, Longstaff, Hayden, Joelinton; Wilson
Current form: W W L D L L
Previous match: 2-0 loss against Man City
Liverpool
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Current form: W D D W W D
Previous match: 1-1 draw with West Brom
Key Players
Newcastle
Callum Wilson
8 goals & 3 assists in Premier League 2020-21
Joelinton
2 assists in Premier League 2020-21
Liverpool
M Salah
13 goals & 3 assists in Premier League 2020-21
Sadio Mane
6 goals & 2 assists in Premier League 2020-21
