Liverpool revival under Jurgen Klopp to continue at Newcastle’s expense
Few Newcastle fans will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of facing Liverpool on Sunday.
Since their uplifting 6-2 defeat of Norwich six games ago, the Magpies have shipped 11 goals and scored just two.
The five they conceded to Crystal Palace last time out were hardly a fillip either.
Little wonder, then, that Steve McClaren has featured prominently in the 'next manager to leave' betting for most of the season.
At evens, he’s Betway’s current favourite in the market, a nose ahead of 6/5 Garry Monk, in a two-horse race.
Conversely, Liverpool are riding high following Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement.
They are playing some impressive football, not least in the midweek 6-1 demolition of Southampton at St Mary’s in the Capital One Cup.
Indeed, they’ve won seven from eight in all competitions, including further thumping away victories over Manchester City (4-1) and Chelsea (3-1).
The Reds have just won once at St James’ Park since 2008, but that was a 6-0 hammering and it could be something similar this weekend.
Betway offer 7/5 that Liverpool will be ahead at both half-time and full-time, which is where my money is heading.
The only chink of light for Newcastle, as far as I can see, is that their visitors are sweating on the fitness of in-form playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who has five goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League this term.
But Liverpool have both the belief – and the tools – to put two or three past their opponents.
Betway make 2-0 available at 6/1 and 3-0 at 11/1.
However, Newcastle have scored in all but three of their last 10 meetings with the Reds, and Klopp has only overseen four shutouts in 11 matches in charge.
Sporting Index’s Liverpool supremacy spread of 0.9-1.1 does, though, look an attractive buy.
Pointers
Liverpool half-time/Liverpool full-time 7/5 (Betway)
Buy Liverpool supremacy 1.1 (Sporting Index)