Liverpool, contending for the Premier League title, will face Newcastle United on Saturday at St James’ Park. Jurgen Klopp’s side is fresh off their 2-0 victory against Villarreal at Anfield, in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, while the Toons beat Norwich 3-0 in their previous PL fixture. 

All to lose on quest to historic quadruple

Liverpool is currently in an enviable position and one which causes a dilemma as well. Having already won the League Cup, the Merseyside club has a shot at winning the PL, the CL, and the FA Cup, getting Anfield a historic quadruple. 

However, to win the PL, Liverpool can’t afford to lose points to Newcastle, since Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has been on an absolute roll, winning their fixtures and cementing their place at the top of the table. 

Nothing to lose but a game 

Meanwhile, Newcastle finds itself propelled from the fringes to relegation to having their position all but guaranteed in the Premier League in the upcoming season. 

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This is the result of a wave of victories against Norwich City, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Newcastle will be looking to capitalize on this winning streak when they face Liverpool. 

Placed ninth on the table, Newcastle has managed a spot in the top half after a series of phenomenal performances and a loss to Liverpool won’t much affect their overall season outcome. 

St James’ Park – home of the Magpies 

Home advantage is a major factor and will definitely cast a shadow in the upcoming fixture. Liverpool will have to beat the odds, as Newcastle has not lost PL games on the home turf in 2022. Besides, this season only Manchester City, West Ham, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have seen victories at St James’ Park. 

Klopp and co will be looking to join this group, but Liverpool has another concern. 

A tiring playstyle 

Klopp has long complained of congested fixtures, and this one has been no different. Liverpool face the Magpies within 62 hours of their CL fixture against the Spanish club, Villarreal. 

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Klopp tried to have the PL fixture postponed but it was turned down. However, despite the German coach’s complaints, Liverpool now has good squad depth to rotate players and play a full game. 

Ahead of the upcoming fixture, Klopp said “We stay positive”, Newcastle World reported. 

Newcastle determined to “enjoy” proceedings 

While Klopp is worried about the fixture, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is looking to build on the improved relationship among the fans, club, and players since Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took over in October.

He said, “We’ll enjoy it while we’re in this moment because we know how quickly football can change, as we’ve seen. We have to guard against getting too high.”