The iconic lights of Anfield will shine this Saturday night for a high-stakes Premier League encounter as Liverpool and Newcastle United both look to reignite their campaigns following a week of contrasting European fortunes.
Arne Slot’s side enters the fixture in a rare domestic slump, winless in their last five league matches. This run consists of four consecutive draws followed by a heart-wrenching stoppage-time defeat at Bournemouth. While a resounding 6–0 Champions League victory over Qarabağ confirmed their spot in the Round of 16 and boosted morale, the Reds are desperate for their first top-flight win of 2026 to reclaim a place in the top four.
Conversely, Newcastle arrive on Merseyside after a commendable 1–1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain that secured their passage into the Champions League play-offs. Despite their European success, the Magpies have struggled for consistency on the road and are looking to banish a nearly three-decade hoodoo at a ground that has long been their ultimate bogey venue; indeed, Newcastle have failed to win in their last 29 Premier League away games at Anfield (D5 L24), a winless streak dating back to April 1994.
Liverpool vs Newcastle United – Match preview and team news
Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: Simon Hooper
VAR: Craig Pawson
Last Meeting: Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool (25 Aug 2025), Premier League
Team News
Liverpool
Arne Slot is facing a defensive headache after Jeremie Frimpong sustained an injury in the midweek win over Qarabağ, joining fellow right-back Conor Bradley on the sidelines. Joe Gomez remains unavailable with a hip issue, and Alexander Isak is still out as he continues his recovery from a broken leg. However, there is significant positive news as Ibrahima Konaté has returned to training and is expected to start following compassionate leave. Curtis Jones has also been passed fit after missing the European tie through illness.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe will make a late decision on the fitness of captain Bruno Guimarães, who travelled to Paris but only managed light training following an ankle knock. The Magpies will definitely be without Joelinton, who is sidelined for several weeks after receiving a groin injection in Barcelona. The visitors continue to navigate a defensive crisis, with Fabian Schär, Tino Livramento, and Emil Krafth all remaining in the treatment room.
Form
Liverpool
The Reds are currently enduring a frustrating winless streak of five Premier League matches (D4 L1). Recent domestic results include a 3–2 defeat at Bournemouth and a 1–1 draw with Burnley. However, their European form remains flawless, most recently thrashing Qarabağ 6–0 to secure automatic Champions League qualification.
Notably, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League meetings with Newcastle (W13 D5) and have scored at least twice in each of their last eight home games against them. The Reds are also masters of late drama, having scored a league-high 13 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season.
Newcastle United
The Magpies arrive following a resilient 1–1 draw at Paris Saint-Germain and a clinical 3–0 European victory over PSV. Domestically, they are looking to bounce back from a 2–0 home defeat to Aston Villa. Their away form has been a major concern, with the side failing to score in six different road trips this season. Furthermore, 70% of Newcastle’s away goals this term have come in just two matches against Everton and Burnley, and they have conceded 12 goals in the final 15 minutes of games—a timeframe where Liverpool thrive.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké
Newcastle United Predicted XI: Pope; Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Miley, Ramsey, Tonali, Hall; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon
How to Watch Liverpool vs Newcastle United?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT ahead of the 20:00 kick-off.
