It was a shame that 2023 ended so badly for the Newcastle United team we were so proud of last year.
We went to Wembley, finished in the top four, beat Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea to get back into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
After beating PSG at home in the first leg. A disastrous December has left us in the dark since the arrival of Eddie Howe and the new owners. We will see the biggest declines as we approach 2024.
Our performance against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day was worrying. Well, it was a rare weekend at St James’ Park. But we still seemed a part bereft of the beliefs, the ideas, the organization and, dare I say, the unity of which we have always been proud.
That’s all about to change as Liverpool, Sunderland, Manchester City and Aston Villa head into the first four games of the new year.
Ahead of the trip to Merseyside, Howe spoke about our recent slump and the challenges ahead at Anfield:”We have a tough game ahead of us, but it’s a game we like.
We will not give up, we will attack him and do our best. “Recent results have been a challenge for us and our recent performances have not been as good as we had hoped, so we are determined to bounce back and play our best football.”
“We had a couple of tough games against Liverpool but the good thing about both games was that we played really well and were competitive. We have to be near perfect in this game.
It’s important to find the form that works best for us and to be very strong mentally.”
Team News
Joelinton is fit to start for the first time since the 3-0 win over Fulham, while Jamaal Lascelles also includes Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy and Nick Pope. , Matt Targett and Javier Manquillo.
Jurgen Klopp will be without Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip, but Diogo Jota is available again and Alexis McAllister could return after missing the last four.
Predicted XI: Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Bothman, Livramento – Miley, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
There could be plenty of changes, starting with Tino Libramento returning to left-back after Dan Byrne struggled last time out. Against Mo Salah, Tino’s pace and ability will be needed in one-on-one situations.
In midfield, Longstaff has struggled since returning from an ankle problem, so expect the return of Joelinton, with Issac holding up alongside Bruno and Miley. Almiron is out of trouble and in need of rest (or competition for his first team spot).
However, they were short of options on the right with Murphy still out with a shoulder injury.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
I think we’ll see the reaction to the defeat to Forest on Boxing Day. This team has character and the gap between games has given them much needed time to recover and train.
I think it happened for the first time this month. But we’re up against a Liverpool side who are back in the title race and I’m afraid they won’t come up short.
I hope I’m wrong. Because after such a disappointing December, it would be great to start the new year with a bang.
