FIFA 18 simulation: Newcastle United at Liverpool
FIFA 18 gives us a preview of Newcastle United’s match today at Anfield vs. Liverpool.
Newcastle United takes on Liverpool later today at Anfield. FIFA 18 gives us an early look at how this match could play out.
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While Liverpool’s lineup was unchanged from their 4-1 win over West Ham, Newcastle United’s was a compilation of our staff lineup predictions. The starting XI, lining up in a 4-4-2, was: Dubravka; Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett; Atsu, Diame, Hayden, Kenedy; Perez, Gayle.
Sadio Mane got the action started early, knifing through the Newcastle United defense before curling a shot wide of the goal. Christian Atsu would spring the Magpies attack minutes later, blazing a path across the middle of the pitch. He fed Kenedy a through ball on the left-hand side and his cross was knocked behind for a corner. Mane dropped a shot on top of the goal in the 16th minute.
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Atsu again tested the Reds’ backline in the 23rd minute, but his run ended with a clear from Joel Matip. A Mohamed Diame foul gave Emre Can a free kick in a dangerous area. His shot was deflected by the wall and easily collected by Martin Dubravka. Can would get a second opportunity from a free kick shortly after. This time, his effort clanked off the post. Kenedy had the best chance for Newcastle United when his header forced Loris Karius into a save.
At the break, Liverpool held advantages in shots and possession, but the scoreline was 0-0. Mane missed a sitter to begin the second half after Roberto Firmino found him unmarked in the area. Rafa Benitez went to his bench to bring on Mikel Merino in place of Mohamed Diame. Firmino would have a go himself in the 73rd minute, but his shot far post hit the woodwork. Ayoze Perez had a great chance minutes later, but he made an ill-advised decision to try a cross and it was intercepted. Substitute Matt Ritchie forced a save in the 80th minute, leading to a corner. Jordan Henderson had the final effort of the match, but his shot in the 87′ went well wide.
The match ended scoreless, with Liverpool carrying the edge in shots nine to five and holding 56% possession. Christian Atsu was the Man of the Match for the Toon.