Liverpool vs. Newcastle United Best Bet – Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025

With Liverpool now firmly in the driver’s seat for the Premier League title, Arne Slot’s men look to clear another hurdle on their path to glory as they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield on Wednesday night. This encounter serves as a dress rehearsal for next month’s Wembley showdown (the 2025 League Cup final), but the stakes in the league remain sky-high for both clubs.

Liverpool’s lead at the summit stretched into double figures following a clinical 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday, just hours after Newcastle edged past Nottingham Forest 4-3 in a thriller at St. James’ Park.

Liverpool’s Relentless Charge Towards the Premier League Crown

Despite occasional slips, Arsenal have repeatedly failed to capitalize on Liverpool’s dropped points in the title race. That trend continued over the weekend as the Gunners’ injury-hit squad fell to London rivals West Ham United, allowing Liverpool to extend their lead.

Arne Slot’s side benefited from Manchester City’s fitness woes at the Etihad, comfortably containing a Haaland-less City and striking twice in the first half through Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai. With Arsenal now 11 points adrift, the Premier League crown is increasingly Liverpool’s to lose.

While Liverpool remain unbeaten away from home over the course of their Premier League campaign, their fortress at Anfield has been rapidly rebuilt since September’s shocking defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Reds are now unbeaten in 17 consecutive home matches, scoring at least two goals in each. Their recent 2-1 victory over Wolves marked a fifth straight win at home, and they have won their last 12 midweek Premier League fixtures – a record that bodes well heading into Wednesday’s showdown.

Liverpool were handed a huge boost as Cody Gakpo returned as a substitute against Manchester City, meaning Arne Slot is only missing three mostly backup players: Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Tyler Morton. Alexis Mac Allister should also be available despite taking a knock to the face on Sunday.

Slot could reinstate Gakpo into the starting lineup after Szoboszlai’s energy levels were depleted at full-time against City, but with a weekend off before their Champions League clash against PSG, major rotation is unlikely. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is one goal away from hitting 10 home and away goals in a third different Premier League season – a feat achieved by very few.

Newcastle’s Resilience and Isak’s Scoring Form

Liverpool remain grounded in the title race, but they will be wary of a Newcastle United side boasting one of the Premier League’s in-form strikers. While Darwin Núñez struggles for consistency in Liverpool’s attack, Alexander Isak is thriving in Newcastle’s system. The Swedish marksman scored his 19th league goal of the season against Nottingham Forest, with Jacob Murphy and Lewis Miley also making crucial contributions.

Despite their attacking firepower, Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities are becoming a major concern. Eddie Howe’s men survived a late scare against Forest but have now conceded nine goals in their last three league matches and are without a clean sheet in their last five.

Historically, Anfield has been a nightmare for Newcastle, with the Magpies failing to win any of their last 16 Premier League meetings against the Reds. Their last away victory at Anfield in the league dates back to 1994, though their recent 3-3 home draw in December – secured by Fabian Schar’s dramatic last-minute goal – felt like a triumph.

Newcastle emerged unscathed from their seven-goal thriller against Forest, and there’s a fairly decent chance that Sven Botman and Joelinton could both recover from knee injuries in time for this clash. Elsewhere, Sandro Tonali is now fully fit after a slight hamstring issue, but Jamaal Lascelles remains sidelined.

Possible Starting Lineups of Liverpool and Newcastle United 

• Liverpool: Alisson Becker – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson – Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister – Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Luis Díaz – Cody Gakpo. (4-2-3-1) 
• Newcastle United: Nick Pope – Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall – Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali – Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon. (4-3-3) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

Liverpool’s dominance at Anfield and Newcastle’s leaky defense make the Reds heavy favorites, reflected in the latest odds from EveryGame on Wednesday morning: Liverpool to win: -227, Draw: +400, Newcastle to win: +525.

However, a straight Liverpool victory offers little value, so a more lucrative option is Liverpool to win and both teams to score – Yes at +145. Given Newcastle’s defensive struggles but attacking quality, this looks like an excellent value bet.

Meanwhile, betting on two of the league’s finest goalscorers also presents an enticing opportunity, with Mohamed Salah to score anytime valued at -125 and Alexander Isak to score anytime at +205 at EveryGame. 

Salah is just one goal away from a personal milestone, while Isak is chasing Andy Cole’s club record of 12 away goals in a single Premier League season (1993-94) – he currently sits on 10.

Goals Galore at Anfield? Well, matches between Liverpool and Newcastle rarely disappoint in terms of entertainment, and with both teams packed with attacking talent, this should be another high-scoring affair. Newcastle’s defensive frailties could be their downfall, and while they pose a threat going forward, Liverpool’s superior firepower should see them through.

Spooky Express Free Play: Liverpool to win and Both teams to score – Yes +145 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units