At first glance, this may seem like the kind of fixture that will lead to yet another three points for title challengers Liverpool (12.30pm Saturday; TV: Live on BT Sport). Newcastle United were languishing near the bottom of the table and, while there has been an improvement since the appointment of Eddie Howe and the subsequent January transfer window, any team faces a daunting task against the Reds.
Liverpool look unstoppable right now: They are unbeaten in their last 13 games and they head the form table with 16 points from their last six league matches. Newcastle, however, aren’t far behind as far as the form guide indicates and, with the benefit of home advantage, they could offer a tough test for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
The bookies have inevitably come down on the side of Liverpool and the best odds on the away win currently stand at 4/9. The draw can be found at a top industry price of 15/4 while victory for Newcastle United is on offer at a best of 7/1.
That form guide suggests that Newcastle can be hopeful of claiming a draw at the very least. Across their last six matches, the Magpies have taken 12 points from a possible 18. That’s the sixth best record over that period of time and it includes a run of four straight wins from the second week in April.
There will be some interest in a positive result for the home team but let’s move on to the side markets before considering our the betting tips for this NUFC vs LFC preview.
Newcastle’s Joelinton was the hero as his side eased to a 3-0 win at Norwich City last weekend. The Brazilian has endured a quiet season but that double may make him a more attractive proposition in the first goalscorer market at 12/1.
The favourite to open the scoring is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah who is on offer at best odds of 10/3 while Diogo Jota is at 4/1, followed by Sadio Mane at 5/1. The first name from within the Newcastle squad is Chris Wood who is available at 10/1.
For value behind the main strikers, Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino could be the man to watch at 11/2. For Newcastle, Allan Saint-Maximin has scored some important goals this season and he will be a tempter at his best odds of 16/1.
Away from individual bets, Both Teams to Score can be backed for this one at 4/5 in places. Liverpool and Newcastle both kept clean sheets last weekend and, if you prefer betting ‘no’ on BTTS, this option is quoted at a best of 20/21.
Over in the Total Combined Goals section, a modest stretch to Over 2.5 will be rewarded with odds at 4/6. By pushing that one stage further, Over 3.5 goals comes along at 7/4. If you are expecting a quiet 90 minutes, the Under 2.5 option is 6/5.
That just leaves some Correct Score suggestions and, if you expect Liverpool to continue their solid run of form, the 3-1 away win is on offer at 10/1. A high scoring draw with a 2-2 final outcome is quoted at best odds of 20/1 while a 2-1 victory for Newcastle is also available at 20/1.
Our NUFC vs LFC Preview’s Betting Tips Verdict
The team goal odds suggest that the main UK bookies are expecting an open, attacking afternoon and we agree with that assessment. If we include Wednesday night’s Champions League win over Villarreal, Liverpool have won their last four matches and drawn the other two.
The Reds have scored 16 goals in that period and conceded seven. As for Newcastle, four straight wins followed two defeats. The Magpies have scored six times and have also conceded seven.
In terms of the result, Newcastle’s run of four straight wins suggests the hosts can be hopeful of claiming a draw but it is a tough call. Liverpool look unstoppable and, while the draw is a serious tempter, this preview is going to stay with the side markets for Saturday’s game.
We’ll start with Over 3.5 Goals: It’s nicely priced and doesn’t necessarily need Newcastle to contribute. Liverpool have kept three clean sheets in a row and, for that reason, we’ll avoid the Both Teams to Score option.
Instead, we’ll add in a goalscorer and our tip is for Sadio Mane to score at any time. Mane was on target in that win over Villarreal and has looked sharp in recent games. You could take the 5/1 on him to score first but the 6/4 odds on an anytime Mane goal can still offer good value.
These are the betting tips for this Premier League match preview:
- Over 3.5 Goals at 7/4 with Bet365.
- Sadio Mane to score at any time in 90 minutes at 6/4 with Bet365 or BetVictor.
Matt Harris is a football & golf writer for Just Bookies. Other sports in his portfolio of specialities include cricket. Matt has contributed to innumerable large organisations and media brands. These include: Betfair, BetVictor, USA Betting & Unibet. 