In what is the toughest test for Liverpool so far this season, the players will have to be on top form should they earn a result at St James’ Park against Newcastle United.
Beginning the season with a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, the Reds secured their first three points of the season last week with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Despite the promising start, the club’s transfer business has been heavily criticised by fans considering the lack of defensive reinforcements and lack of midfield depth following the outgoings of James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keïta, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.
With just days to go until the end of the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will continue strengthening but until then, they have a significant test in front of them in the form of Newcastle.
Since being taken over by PIF, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, in October 2021, the North-East club have transformed into a dangerous side and one that will be competing in the UEFA Champions League this season, following an impressive 2022/2023 season.
The club, who brought in the likes of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes to bolster the quality of the squad this summer, began the season in red-hot form with a massive 5-1 victory over Aston Villa.
They then ran into the Premier League champions Manchester City last week and lost a close game 1-0 as they were handed their first defeat of the season.
As they head back to St James’ Park on Sunday, they do so against a team they haven’t beaten since 2015.
Liverpool are currently on a 13-match unbeaten streak against Newcastle which includes four straight wins with their last victory against the club coming in February earlier this year when the Reds won 2-0 away from home.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will return to the stadium with a completely different midfield with Wataru Endo, Dominick Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister completing the rebuild.
Each player has a particular set of skills and combined could form a dangerous trio for any of their rivals as they look set to start together for the first time in their Liverpool careers.
It’s a massive test for both clubs who will look to finish in the top four in what is set to be a tight race this season with the improvement of teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
LFC Globe Verdict
I think Liverpool will secure an extremely tense 2-1 victory with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez getting on the scoresheet.
