Howe lauds Slot’s impact at Liverpool but insists title race not over

Eddie Howe has praised Arne Slot's impact at Premier League leaders Liverpool, although he insists the title race is far from over ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Newcastle United.

Liverpool are nine points clear at the top heading into the midweek action after beating Manchester City 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday.

That opened an 11-point gap between the Reds and Pep Guardiola's defending champions, but Howe believes the title battle is far from over in December.

“No, I don't think anything is ever safe or done until it's done,” Howe said. “The Premier League is known for its twists and turns, so who knows what will happen.

“I think at the moment they are a team that plays with complete confidence, they still have the hallmark of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

“But Arne has now had his time with the team and has adjusted certain things, which makes it a very difficult proposition because they have added new strengths.”

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The Reds are on their way to take on Newcastle United at St James' Park pic.twitter.com/1cJia0wkBa

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2024

Newcastle were beaten 2-0 at home by West Ham before drawing 1-1 with Crystal Palace last Saturday.

However, Slot believes a trip to Newcastle will be a tougher test than facing Real Madrid after beating Los Blancos in the Champions League last week.

“We know we are going to have another difficult week,” said Slot.

“We thought Madrid and City were very difficult teams to play against, which they actually were. I think going to Newcastle is even harder.

“We're not even halfway through the season yet.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Newcastle United – Alexander Isak

Fitness permitting, if Alexander Isak can shake off the blow at Palace, the Swedish forward will be key to the home hopes.

The Newcastle striker has scored 21 goals in 30 home games in the Premier League, although he has scored just twice from 18 attempts at St James' Park this season.

Liverpool-Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah stole the show again against City, scoring from the penalty spot and assisting Cody Gakpo's opener.

The Liverpool star has also been involved in fourteen Premier League goals against Newcastle (eight goals, six assists), including his last thirteen games against Newcastle United.

pic.twitter.com/AObktniGXh

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 2, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION – LIVERPOOL WIN

Liverpool are firm favorites to do so, having won each of their last six meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League.

The Magpies are winless in their last fifteen summits overall (D4 L11), while Liverpool have won five of their last six league visits to St. James' Park.

The Reds' three-match winning streak against Newcastle is their longest against the home side in the competition on Wednesday.

Expect drama too, as Liverpool have won 11 Premier League games when they have gone behind against Newcastle, the most comeback wins by one side against another in the competition's history.

To make matters worse for the home side, they have won just one of their last 26 Premier League meetings against sides who started at the top of the table (D7 L18), a feat that could continue here.

OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING

Newcastle United win – 26.2% Draw – 23.6% Liverpool win – 50.2%