PREVIEW: Newcastle visit Liverpool for key clash in race for Europe | OneFootball

Liverpool look to claim another vital three points in the race for top four and return to winning ways as they host Newcastle at Anfield.

The Reds fell to a 3-2 defeat in their last Premier League fixture at the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth’s Amine Adli scored in the last minute of stoppage time.

It’s been a tough ride for Arne Slot this season as the reigning champions, who sit sixth in the table, have struggled for winning form this season.

Despite securing a top eight spot and progression to the round of 16 in the Champions League, dismantling Qarabağ FK in a 6-0 victory at home in midweek, they have not won any of their five Premier League matches this month.

Looking at player availability, they will be without a natural right back with Jeremie Frimpong now out of the side for a few weeks.

When Liverpool and Newcastle last met, teenager Rio Ngumoha was the star of the show as his late goal earned them a 2-3 victory away at St James’ Park.

Arne Slot believes that every game is crucial for the side and Newcastle are tough opponents to play.

He said: “We’ve experienced how tough it is to play against Newcastle in the one-and-a-half years I have been here now.

“It’s always been a very tough contest, a very tough game for us, but for them as well.

“So, a great game to look forward to because we both had a good result during the week and a home game at Anfield is always something to look forward to.”

Conor Bradley is out long-term with a knee injury while Alexander Isak remains out with a broken ankle.

Ibrahima Konaté, who hasn’t featured in the last three games, could return to the matchday squad, but defender Joe Gomez is unavailable after limping off injured last time out.

Newcastle suffered a blow last weekend at home to an in-form Aston Villa side with goals from Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins in a 2-0 defeat.

But the Magpies only trail Saturday’s opponents by 3 points, and starting from ninth place could put further pressure on Liverpool, whose fans are expectant of at least a place in Europe.

Newcastle picked up a 1-1 against Champions League holders Paris Sant Germain at the Parc Des Prince in midweek, earning a spot in the play-offs.

However, the Magpies only have 2 wins away from home in the Premier League this season, a flaw in need of attention if they are to climb up the table.

Bruno Guimarães has been the standout player for Newcastle this season, pitching in with 8 goals and 3 assists in the league.

Eddie Howe was full of praise for the Brazilian midfielder, commenting on the impact he’s had since he joined the club on this day 4 years ago.

He said: “He has been an incredible signing.

“From the day he turned up in his suit, he showed great respect to this club. A great person who’s gone onto great things.

“You see the success he’s had – winning a trophy, playing for Brazil – and the way he’s done it by embracing the supporters – he’s been a class act.”

It’ll be a tight call on whether Guimarães will feature, however, as he hasn’t in their last two games.

Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy were in the squad along with the captain in midweek and will likely be involved once more.

Howe is hopeful that fullback Tino Livramento will return in early March when he’s expected to have recovered from a hamstring injury.

Newcastle haven’t won at Anfield in the league in 29 visits, drawing five and losing 24, with their last victory in the contest dating back to the very first Premier League season in April 1994.

The match kicks off on Saturday 31st January at 8pm, with live coverage available on TNT Sports.