As U2 famously told us in the 1980s “all is quiet, on New Year’s Day.” That will not be the case at Anfield, when Liverpool will welcome Newcastle United into their fortress. Forward Diogo Jota returned from injury well ahead of schedule, in Liverpool’s last match, the Boxing Day win over Burnley FC.
Jota came off the bench to replace Darwin Nunez in the second half yesterday, and he could now be pushing for a start in this match on Monday night.
Liverpool FC vs Newcastle United FYIs
Kickoff: New Year’s Day, 8pm, Anfield, Liverpool, UK
Team News: Newcastle Liverpool
Starting XI Predictions: Newcastle Liverpool
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Newcastle 15% Liverpool 66% Draw 19%
PL Form, Position: Newcastle LLWLL, 29 pts, 8th Liverpool WDDWW, 42 pts, 1st
Liverpool Team News
As much as we joke about the Liverpool Always Injured Twins, Thiago Alcantara (hip) and Stefan Bajcetic (calf), both are moving closer towards a return, FINALLY! However, this match will likely come too soon for them. Alexis Mac Allister (knee) is also nearing a return to full fitness, but again, this match might come too soon for him.
Meanwhile Kostas Tsimikas (collarbone) and Andy Robertson (shoulder) remain out until sometime in February. Ben Doak (groin) is out until about April while Joel Matip (knee) is done for the season.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.