Premier League: Newcastle United vs Liverpool - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

With unresolved tension over the future of Alexander Isak looming between the two clubs, Newcastle United and Liverpool meet in the Premier League at St. James Park. 

Odds across the best online betting sites suggest this is going to be a close encounter, but do we think that is going to be the case?

Liverpool opened their title defence with a not so routine win against Bournemouth, while Newcastle returned from Villa Park with a point. Can the Toons stop Liverpool from getting back-to-back wins? Let’s see what the bookmakers think before we roll out our predictions.

Newcastle United

Isak’s absence was thoroughly felt as Newcastle drew blanks at Villa Park against a 10-man Aston Villa side. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will feel they dropped two points on the road, and it could get even worse if the club can’t find a solution to the current situation. 

The Swede refuses to train with the main squad as he wants to force a move to Liverpool. Newcastle have already turned down a big offer from Arne Slot’s men for the Swede, but Isak feels his days as a Newcastle player are over.

Newcastle will have to make do without the prolific striker once again when they take on Liverpool, and without Isak leading the line, they might struggle to trouble the Reds backline.

Team News: New signing Jacob Ramsey should make his debut for Newcastle against Liverpool, but he should start on the bench.

Predicted Lineup: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.

Liverpool

Anfield should have been awash with jubilation as Liverpool began their title defence, but tributes to Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a road accident, cast a shadow of grief. 

NZ betting apps still predicted an easy win for Liverpool, but the Cherries nearly proved them wrong. The hosts needed late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to secure the win.

Now, the Merseysiders will travel North East to take on Newcastle. There will be added tension because of the Isak issue, and Slot must find a way to not let it distract his players.

Team News: Jeremie Frimpong has injured his hamstring and will not be available before the international break.

Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

• Newcastle’s last Premier League win against Liverpool came in December, 2015. 
• 10 of the last 15 Newcastle-Liverpool matches have produced more than 2.5 goals. 
• Newcastle have not won against Liverpool in their last 17 attempts.

St. James Park is an intimidating place to travel in the Premier League, but Newcastle have somewhat lost that fear factor with their star striker going on a boycott. The Magpies are not quite the same team without Isak, and it could cost them against Liverpool. 

The Reds have shown vulnerability to counter-attack. Anthony Elanga’s arrival from Nottingham Forest might have helped exploit this weakness, but he cannot fill the void left by Isak.

Since there were six goals in this match last year, it might seem that football betting sites are undervaluing the prospect of goals in this match. 

But we think with Liverpool missing their first-choice right-back and Newcastle their primary goal threat, there will be far less goals this time around. But Liverpool should do enough to nick a win.

Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle @ $10.00  

Even though Liverpool have been unable to add Isak to their ranks, they clearly head into this tie with the superior attack. Salah looks as sharp as ever, while Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have injected extra quality. Newcastle’s backline is solid, though with their attack misfiring they may adopt a more defensive approach. We’re backing Liverpool to grind out a 1-0 win at PlayUp, paying $10.00.