Depleted Liverpool backline faces ultimate test against the magpies on Saturday night
The stage is set for a massive clash at Anfield on Saturday, January 31, 2026 (8pm GMT). With Liverpool desperate to break their 2026 Premier League winless streak and Newcastle looking to close the gap on the top six, this match carries significant weight for both clubs.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 8:00 PM (GMT) kickoff.
Liverpool: Seeking the First "League" Win of 2026
Despite a mid-week 6-0 thrashing of Qarabag in the Champions League, Arne Slot’s men are in a domestic slump. They haven't won a Premier League game since the calendar turned to 2026, dropping points in their last five matches.
The Injury Crisis: The biggest headache for Slot is at Right Back. With Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez all sidelined, Slot might have to get creative potentially dropping Dominik Szoboszlai into a defensive role or using Wataru Endo as a makeshift center-back.
The "Ex" Factor: Hugo Ekitike, who famously chose Liverpool over Newcastle last summer, will likely lead the line against the club he snubbed.
Returns: There’s a massive boost as Ibrahima Konaté returns to the squad alongside Curtis Jones.
Newcastle: The "Anfield Hoodoo"
Newcastle sits in 9th, just three points behind Liverpool. They have a golden opportunity to leapfrog their rivals, but they have a massive psychological hurdle: they haven't won a league game at Anfield in 30 years.
The Guimarães Pivot: Bruno Guimarães is the heartbeat of this team. When he plays, they look like top-four contenders; when he doesn't, they struggle to keep the ball. He’ll be tasked with exploiting Liverpool's makeshift right flank.
Tactical Plan: Expect Eddie Howe to set up a compact mid-block and use Gordon’s blistering pace to target whoever Liverpool sticks at right-back.
The Verdict
Liverpool are historically dominant at Anfield against Newcastle (unbeaten in 19 home league games in 30 years), but their defensive reshuffle makes them vulnerable. Newcastle will likely sit in a disciplined low block and try to punish Liverpool on the break via Anthony Gordon’s pace.
Prediction: A 2-2 draw or narrow home win written all over it.
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