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The final preparations at St James’ Park have been given the green light ahead of the evening’s late kick off, despite distraction and temptation from the Capital and the Government’s warnings.
Tottenham Hotspur and José Mourinho will have to wait before trying to rectify their recent drop in form following the postponement of their home fixture against COVID-19-ravaged Fulham, giving the reigning Champions the opportunity to extend their lead on Spurs to eight points.
Liverpool have settled back into the mould of League winners in recent match weeks even with the shock draw in their previous fixture courtesy of Sam Allardyce, with Newcastle United suffering contrasting form in preceding games.
The performances against Championship side Brentford in the EFL Cup and Manchester City in the League have made for grave viewing as well as prospects, providing little optimism and excitement for a fixture in which could see the Magpies lose six consecutive matches against Liverpool for the first time ever.
It will serve as minor encouragement, then, that Bruce’s team have suffered no further injuries to an admittedly depleted side; they will be without Allan Saint-Maximin, Captain Jamaal Lascelles, Jonjo Shelvey and Ryan Fraser.
On the other hand, United’s reliable talisman Callum Wilson is poised to join the 50 Premier League goals club having already notched eight goals this term already. If Newcastle can manage to remain competitive in regards to the score line when kicking off in the second half – where all of Wilson’s goals have occurred so far – they may cause a second consecutive upset for Liverpool.
Klopp will have to make additional enforced defensive changes following the abductor injury suffered by Cameroonian Joel Matip. The League leaders have fared unshaken by the incredible volume of defensive injuries so far this season, with the performances of midfielder Fabinho’s particularly impressive alongside both Matip and likely replacement tonight, Rhys Williams.
Reds fans will be pleased, though, to hear that contract sentiments and negotiations concerning ex-Newcastle favourite Georgino Wijnaldum appear to be progressing positively. Wijnaldum was one of too few positives in the Steve McClaren era at Tyneside and has been ever-present and reliable for Klopp’s outfit since signing, performing instrumentally in the club’s Champions League triumph.
Midfielder’s Thiago and Naby Keita are nearing fitness but are unlikely to be risked, so it will be down to the remaining fit midfielders to break down the inevitable deep defensive line Bruce is likely to employ which proved too much for Liverpool against West Bromich Albion last time out.
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