Head to Head: Liverpool have a strong record
Over the last 20 meetings, Liverpool have dominated with 13 wins, Newcastle managing just two victories, and five draws. The goal difference stands at 41 scored by Liverpool vs 20 for Newcastle, a swing of +21 in Liverpool’s favour.
Recent history reinforces the trend. Last season Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield in February, while the reverse at St James’ Park finished 3-3 in December. Newcastle did, however, claim the upper hand in March’s League Cup final, winning 2-1 at Wembley to end their long wait for silverware. Before that, Liverpool had beaten Newcastle in four consecutive league encounters, including the 4-2 at Anfield on New Year’s Day 2024 and a 2-1 away win in August 2023.
You have to go back to December 2015 for Newcastle’s last league win over Liverpool (2-0 at St James’). In the Premier League era, Liverpool’s superiority in this head-to-head has been a constant theme, though Newcastle’s cup triumph earlier this year shows they are capable of upsetting the balance on big occasions.
Players to watch: Pace could unsettle the Liverpool backline
Anthony Elanga looks a strong candidate for 1+ shot on target when Newcastle United face Liverpool at St James’ Park. The Swedish winger impressed on his debut away at Aston Villa, registering two shots, one on target, and generating 0.6 xG across 77 minutes. With Alexander Isak unavailable, Elanga’s direct pace and willingness to shoot gives him a clear role as Newcastle’s outlet on the right.
His record last season at Nottingham Forest also supports the angle. He hit at least one shot on target in 19 of his 31 Premier League starts (61%), despite playing in a team that created far fewer chances than Newcastle. At his new club, surrounded by better creators such as Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Bruno Guimaraes, his output should only rise.
Liverpool, meanwhile, looked shaky defensively against Bournemouth in their 4-2 win. They conceded 1.70 xG, allowed 28 box touches and were repeatedly exposed by quick counters through midfield. That profile suits Elanga perfectly, and one accurate effort on goal feels a realistic expectation.
Predicted line-ups
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike
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