Match Today: Liverpool vs Newcastle United 18-02-2023 English Premier League

Newcastle United's top four ambitions are likely to see a decisive turnaround when they take on Liverpool at St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday.

The host country ranks fourth in the standings, ahead of this round, with 41 points from 22 matches, while the visitors occupy ninth place with 32 points from 21 matches. Newcastle impressed everyone by losing their quest for the first square only once in the league season, while every other team lost three. times at least.

Newcastle come off a 1-1 draw in Bournemouth which is part of five draws in their last six matches. Eddie Howe's side will see this as a missed opportunity to cement their position in the top two. Instead, they started five points behind third-placed Manchester United albeit It's a postponed match.

It is their impressive defensive record that drives their ambitions for the top four with Newcastle conceding just 13 goals in the league, the best this season. Even at this venue, they have only conceded one goal over their last six league games which coincidentally came in their last outing. .

Liverpool snapped a two-match losing streak with a 2-0 victory in the Merseyside derby against Everton, proving a relief to Jurgen Klopp's side.

However, with three defeats and one draw in their last five league matches, Liverpool are still way off expectations in the top four race. They started this round with nine points out of the top four despite having played two games fewer than Newcastle United, and three points behind sixth-placed Brighton.

Despite their struggles to finish matches, Liverpool have scored 36 league goals this season, which only five clubs have bettered. Mo Salah's poor form was the reason for these poor numbers, but with the striker scoring on his last outing, there may be Hope to see that change, his form will be crucial if Liverpool break their poor run of form, having lost three consecutive away matches in the Premier League.

Newcastle are the perfect team going into this fixture as they are unbeaten in 17 Premier League games, winning nine and drawing eight.

They are the most economical team in the league conceding just 13 goals and just one in their last six home games. Liverpool have won just one of their last five Premier League games and are just a tad behind in the first six.

Although this win was achieved in their last outing, Liverpool are yet to win back-to-back competitive matches in 2023. Across eight matches, Newcastle will miss midfielder Bruno Guimarães, who will serve out his suspension.

The usual injury absentees Javier Manquillo, Matt Targett and Emile Krafth will also be missed. Joe Willock limped off against Bournemouth and there could be no doubt in this match. Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin will be assessed around the time of kick-off. For Liverpool, it will be Thiago. Alcantara, Luis Diaz, Arthur and Ibrahima Konate are absent.