Liverpool must take care of unfinished EPL business vs. Newcastle on Thursday

In over a year, Liverpool FC hasn’t defeated Newcastle United outright in EPL play.

Believe it or not, Liverpool FC has not achieved three points versus Newcastle United in English Premier League play since two seasons ago. Last season, the Reds tied the Magpies in both contests. Subsequently, on Thursday, Jürgen Klopp’s men will have the chance to earn three critical points at Anfield Stadium. While the home team sits in second place with title aspirations in the EPL’s Matchweek 17, the visitors are dealing with the fallout from being a club on the fringe of relegation.

Newcastle is dealing with relegation fears, and Liverpool must be cautious.

“The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.” The words of the late American novelist James Baldwin ring true regarding a Newcastle United squad who is currently in second to last place in the English Premier League table. Of course, this means that they are entrenched in the danger zone of relegation, which would send them down to the EFL Championship division should they remain in the bottom three positions when the season ends. As a result of their uninspiring play, they have poached one of Liverpool’s very own analysts in an attempt to rectify their relegation situation sooner rather than later possibly.

https://twitter.com/AnfieldWatch/status/1470803787455602693

While their latest acquisition may seem like a move made out of desperation, Newcastle is doing everything in their power to keep the aspect of hope on their side, considering that both the talent and results are not this season.

Liverpool must defeat Newcastle in more ways than one.

For the Reds, it would be in their best interest to take advantage of their rabid supporters at the Kop, who will be undoubtedly in good spirits this Thursday. Should Liverpool take the lead early, it will bode well against an away club that is roughly averaging only one goal per game. Liverpool FC must avoid a contest that remains contested late at all costs. A late-game close match would create an environment where the Magpies would be the most formidable given how their season has gone. Above all, Klopp’s side must not just defeat their opponent with their footwork on Thursday but also must psychologically defeat them.