February 26. Under the lights. Anfield.
Liverpool, unbeaten in 19 Premier League games, face a Newcastle side desperate to rewrite history—and their season.
It’s not just another match. It’s a reckoning.
The Reds have haunted Newcastle for nearly a decade. Sixteen league games. No Magpies victory. Not since December 2015 as per BBC Sport reports.
And now, Arne Slot’s men, wounded by an FA Cup embarrassment to Plymouth, return to full strength. Salah. Gakpo. Van Dijk. They’re all expected back, fresh from resting midweek as reported on Footballtalk.
Across the pitch, Eddie Howe prepares to gamble. Alexander Isak—17 league goals, five straight away games scored in—is flying.
But Fulham’s late dagger last week exposed a familiar fragility. Newcastle have dropped crucial points at the worst time.
They’ve clawed back 15 points from losing positions this season—second only to Manchester City—but Anfield is different. It devours hesitation.
Still, there’s fire.
The last two meetings between these sides have produced twelve goals. In August, the 3-3 chaos at St. James’ Park gave us a glimpse of the madness these matchups breed.
Slot will likely restore the lineup that obliterated Spurs 4-0 in the EFL Cup, with Alexander-Arnold a late fitness call. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Miguel Almirón has left for MLS, Wilson returns, and Nick Pope could reclaim his gloves.
Prediction? 2-1 to Liverpool.
But don’t blink. This fixture rarely allows you to breathe.