Paul Merson has backed Liverpool to continue its fine form in the Premier League at Newcastle, although Mark Lawrenson expects his former side to drop points.
Arne Slot’s side make their way to the north-east looking to strengthen their hold at the top of the table, having gone nine points clear after Sunday’s win over Manchester City. They head to St James’ Park having won 18 of their 20 games in all competitions so far this season, and having last dropped points at Arsenal back in October.
Newcastle could be a potential banana skin for the Reds though. Despite a mixed campaign so far, the Magpies have beaten Arsenal and taken a point off City at home this season.
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Predicting a 2-1 win for the Reds, Merson told Sportskeeda: “Liverpool absolutely destroyed Manchester City. It was bordering on embarrassing at times. This is a tough game away at Newcastle, but imagine the scenes if they win. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Newcastle beaten in the space of a week. Simply wow, not many teams can do that.
“Dominik Szoboszlai was excellent in midfield against City and it just shows how confident all the Liverpool players are at the moment. He came into the line-up and looked like he belonged there.
“I said it the other day and I keep on saying it, no matter who plays up top with [Mohamed] Salah, you can always bet on Liverpool to score. You can’t say that with the other teams, that’s a huge advantage for Liverpool.”
Former Reds defender Lawrenson though expects Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to be reduced this evening, having predicted a 1-1 draw for his old side, while also backing Arsenal to beat Manchester United for Paddy Power.
“Newcastle are struggling,” Lawrenson said. “They’re saying they can’t buy players and the results have not been great. The manager has gone from being one of the favourites for the England job to being one of the favourites for the sack. This is a big game for them. Liverpool are going there with no real problems.
“Arne Slot might make three or four changes, but it won’t weaken the side because he’s basically got two players for every single position. He must’ve got the job the first day and could not believe his luck, as the guy before him left 22 top international players to work with.
“Newcastle will probably be quite negative and try to shut out Liverpool, especially if Aleksander Isak is out, as reports suggest. They might be able to pull it off.”
