Liverpool are turning it on in the Premier League, at the top with authority and sending out a message that they're not going to allow their rivals to get a whiff. Having won a crucial away game against Manchester City, the Reds are back at Anfield, where they welcome Newcastle in a match that can see them draw even nearer to the crown.
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On the other hand, the Magpies enter this meeting looking to break the pacesetter's rhythm and keep fighting for a Champions League spot. And if any team loves going against statistics, it is Newcastle.
Liverpool unbeatable at home
Liverpool’s record against Newcastle is brutal. Since 1994, the Magpies haven’t won at Anfield in the Premier League. That’s 28 games unbeaten for the Reds at home, with 23 wins and 5 draws.
Beyond that, another worrying stat for Eddie Howe’s team: Liverpool has won each of their last 12 midweek home league games, with a stunning 35-6 aggregate score.
And to rub salt into the wound, Liverpool is going to reach a staggering milestone, their next one will be the 100th of the campaign in total.
What does it signify? A red flag for Newcastle. Yet another reason for Liverpool to keep on overawing the opposition.
Liverpool can practically put the title in the bag
With an 11-point lead over Arsenal, Liverpool goes into this match knowing that a win would put them in an even stronger position in the latter stages of the season. Of course, there are still games to be played, but Slot's side seems unbeatable.
The Dutch coach does not wish for complacency and made it clear that his side needs to keep the pressure on. As he says: "They have a difficult understanding of just how difficult every game is. We've still got 11 to get on with, so there's still a good way to go."
Newcastle is never a side that will surrender
If anything Newcastle have shown this season, it's that they're never going to go down without a fight. The team have lost seven points from positions they should have been taking, the second best record in the league.
Moreover, Eddie Howe’s team has a powerful attack. In 19 of their last 20 matches, Newcastle has found the back of the net, showing that Liverpool’s defense will need full concentration to avoid surprises.
Is Alexander Isak the biggest threat to Liverpool?
If there’s one name that could trouble Liverpool’s defense, it’s Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward is having a spectacular season, serving as Newcastle’s main attacking reference.
Arne Slot sees the threat: "Saying that he's in good form is an understatement. He's in excellent form."
The Liverpool boss emphasized that the way to prevent Isak is by controlling possession, not to give Newcastle options for counter-attacks. He is conscious, though, that the other side doesn't do everything through their No. 9.
Eddie Howe admits Newcastle will need to be flawless
The Magpies manager realizes that performing well on their own will not be enough to defeat Liverpool at Anfield. In order for his team to have any chance at winning all three points, according to Howe, they will have to play nearly a perfect game.
"We must play close to a perfect game. Against Manchester City, we did not play our attacking game plan the way we would have liked. Now, we can't repeat the same error."
Howe also stressed that his players must be mentally strong to handle the pressure of playing at Anfield: "If we’re not fully there, it’s going to be a tough night for us."
In other words, Newcastle needs to come out aggressive and fearless, if they don’t, Liverpool won’t hesitate to steamroll them.