Liverpool have had to settle for draws in their last two Premier League home games against Manchester United and Arsenal, but they should be confident of seeing off Newcastle, who have hit the buffers.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies fell to a 2-1 defeat against the 10-man Reds at St James’ Park and find themselves mid-table after four losses in their last five league games.
It would be timely if they could secure what would be only their second league success on the road this season but current form hints that it could be a tough trip to Merseyside.
Team news
Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could be back in contention for Liverpool but Jurgen Klopp will still have to do without Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Matip.
Newcastle will hope to have Jamaal Lascelles available but Nick Pope, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Matt Targett, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy and Javier Manquillo are injured and Sandro Tonali is suspended.
The stats
Liverpool have scored 22 goals in their last nine league matches at Anfield.
The Reds are also unbeaten in their last 21 home league games.
Newcastle have won just one away Premier League game this season, beating Sheffield United 8-0 in September.
The Magpies have won just one of their last seven league and cup games and Howe’s side have lost their last four away league outings..
There is no escaping that Newcastle’s form has been poor and the pressure is on Howe to drag them up from mid-table in the new year.
However, this is the start of a difficult run of fixtures that include a home clash with champions Manchester City and a trip to Aston Villa.
A look at their form shows that there has been nothing from their recent away games to suggest they can get something at Anfield.
Newcastle have lost their last four away matches, going down at Bournemouth, Everton, Tottenham and Luton and this match looks a lot tougher than those, so it is understandable to see Klopp’s side so short in the betting.
The Reds were unable to fight their way past Manchester United and Arsenal in their last two Anfield outings.
However, they scored 21 goals in their previous seven home league games and it would not be a surprise to see them overwhelm their visitors and put even more pressure on the Magpies manager.
