Can Newcastle beat Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in over 25 years?

Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka. (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka. (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

While Newcastle United have struggled recently vs. Liverpool, winning away vs. the Reds has not happened for the Magpies since 1995. Tomorrow, they look to end that streak with a win at Anfield.

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Newcastle United: Martin Dubravka

Since he’s returned to the starting position, Dubravka has allowed some softer goals than you’d expect but always made some massive, game-saving stops. Karl Darlow was huge in the draw vs. Liverpool this season and it’s fair to expect that the Slovakian goalkeeper will need to make some massive saves if Newcastle are to get a result.

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah

Salah has scored in four of the last five matches vs. Newcastle United. In Premier League play, he’s only scored twice in his last eight matches. This match could serve as a confidence boost for the Egyptian King and the Magpies will need to zero in and lock him down.

NUFC Availability Update

Steve Bruce confirmed that Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson are both fit. He added that Karl Darlow underwent a small procedure and is out for a couple of weeks. Also, Fabian Schar is back in training, but he won’t be ready for tomorrow’s match.

Keys to a Newcastle United Victory

  • Moments of brilliance

We know that Liverpool are the more talented club, so it will take a special effort from Newcastle to get this victory. When trying to pull off an upset of this kind, your best players need to have big moments. Whether it’s a solo run by Allan Saint-Maximin, some huge saves from Dubravka, or a long distance strike from Jonjo Shelvey or someone else, there needs to be an individual moment of brilliance.

  • Don’t play scared

If the tactics that Bruce deploys are to sit deep and defend, this could be a long day for Newcastle. Obviously, the defense will be key against the 5th-highest scoring club in the EPL. But, parking the bus actually makes it a tougher assignment defensively at times. With an emotional week for the coaches and players of Liverpool after the ESL fiasco, NUFC should put them on the back foot early.