Liverpool ended a poor run in the Premier League with a resounding 4-1 victory over Newcastle at Anfield to show that there is life yet in Arne Slot’s side.
The Reds started slowly under an onslaught of Newcastle aggression. Anthony Gordon in particular was a menace, throwing himself around, pressing high and taking shots from his role as the central striker. Gordon eventually slotted in the opener but that just unlocked Liverpool’s rhythm.
Hugo Ekitike was the instigator of the comeback. He scored twice in three minutes to ensure that Liverpool headed into the half-time break with a lead.
Florian Wirtz added a third goal after the restart to give the hosts a cushion as Eddie Howe made changes to try and swing the momentum. It didn’t work.
Slot flooded the midfield to keep his team in possession before Ibrahima Konate put the icing on the cake with a late stoppage time goal.
Relive the action from Anfield with our live blog below:
Liverpool vs Newcastle live
- Liverpool host Newcastle in the Premier League | Live on TNT Sports 1
- 67' GOAL! Wirtz's guided effort gives Liverpool a cushion (LIV 3-1 NEW)
- 51' CLOSE! Ekitike gets behind Burn but fires wide (LIV 2-1 NEW)
- 43' GOAL! Ekitike nets quickfire second (LIV 2-1 NEW)
- 36' GOAL! Gordon fires Newcastle into the lead (LIV 0-1 NEW)
- 26' POST! Barnes' shot hits the woodwork (LIV 0-0 NEW)
- 18' CHANCE! Ekitike's strike is kept out by Pope (LIV 0-0 NEW)
Hugo Ekitike eviscerates Newcastle to show glimpse of Liverpool’s future
22:24 , Mike JonesAnd that was why Newcastle United wanted to sign Hugo Ekitike. This was the eviscerating evidence of why they saw him as Alexander Isak’s replacement and why, at times this season, it has not mattered to Liverpool that the £125m man has been injured or ineffective.
As Ekitike’s name rang around Anfield, Newcastle got an unwanted reminder of the one who got away. Twice, really, given they first targeted him when he instead joined Paris Saint-Germain and then bid for him again before Liverpool pounced. Eddie Howe recognised Ekitike’s talent. He just could not lure him to Tyneside.
Hugo Ekitike eviscerates Newcastle to show glimpse of Liverpool’s future
Positives for Newcastle
22:43 , Mike JonesKieran Trippier added: "I think, there are positives to take from today. We are footballers and we don't want to make any excuses for this relentless schedule."
Newcastle's Kieran Trippier, speaking to TNT Sports:
22:40 , Mike Jones"I am very frustrated, we started the game well, went man-for-man and got the first goal. We are disappointed as a group.
"When you come here you know you will have to deal with the pressure of Liverpool, you have to keep composure and your calm, then one long ball over the top and they score.
"There is no time to dwell on it, we have another massive game."
Wirtz on partnership with Ekitike:
22:37 , Mike Jones"He is just unbelievable. You can see him today again two fantastic goals, and it is just fun to play with him on the pitch. Happy I could assist him again today after many assists from him to me."
Florian Wirtz, speaking to TNT Sports:
22:34 , Mike Jones"I am very happy. As I said before the game I always love to score and assist and help the team to win.
"I want to continue like that because it makes you happy and gives you more confidence. When you can help the team win it is always good."
Can Liverpool build consistency?
22:31 , Mike JonesIbrahima Konate said: “We have to take game after game. For me, we are always the best team on the pitch but we maybe concede too many goals or don't score enough, but today we did very well and we have to take next game after next game."
Konate on Florian Wirtz:
22:28 , Mike Jones"I am very happy for him to be fair. He just showed to the world his quality. He did not reach his peak right now but it is coming very soon. We spoke in pre-season what he is going to do and if he reaches that my god it will be crazy."
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate speaking to TNT Sports:
22:25 , Mike Jones"For sure I am very happy. I don't have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family the last two weeks, but this is part of life. It is hard to accept that and we don't have the choice.
"I know that the team had some injured players, and the manager on the call said to take my time and I don't have to rush back. With this situation [injuries] it was important for me to come back and help the team. I did today with the team at Anfield, the atmosphere was incredible today, and this is what we need until the end of the season."
A fine night for Liverpool
22:12 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldA fine night for Liverpool in the end. Ekitike was excellent and decisive, Wirtz's recent surge of form continued and, for Ibrahima Konate, a goal on his return after the loss of his father.
“But Newcastle made too many mistakes and their away form remains poor.”
Full-time! Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle
21:57 , Mike JonesA resounding win for Liverpool in the end.
It didn’t start out that way but Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz ensured that the Reds turned around the deficit before Ibrahima Konate capped off a great night.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle (Ibrahima Konate, 90+3)
21:55 , Mike JonesLiverpool close out the night with a goal for Ibrahima Konate.
He just had a chance blocked but this one is turned in brilliantly.
A corner ball is dropped by Nick Pope and Konate pounces. He sidefoots the shot past the goalkeeper and makes sure Liverpool take the points.
Konate’s father has recently passed away and the defender has scored only his second ever goal at Anfield in his first game back.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:53 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Time is running out for Newcastle. Liverpool have a firm grip on the game, the fans have enjoyed themselves.
Florian Wirtz has been awarded the player of the match award. A goal and an assist for him tonight.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:52 , Mike Jones90 mins: Dominik Szoboszli walks over to take a corner for Liverpool. He whips the ball into the and finds Konate who volleys his effort at goal only for Woltemade to deflect it wide.
Five added minutes to play.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:49 , Mike Jones86 mins: Wataru Endo comes on for the final few minutes as Florian Wirtz heads off the pitch to a loud round of applause.
Dan Burn, who has just picked up a yellow card, slides into a tackle on Cody Gakpo and riles up the Liverpool fans.
Burn escapes without punishment.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:45 , Mike Jones83 mins: Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike are taken off now for Liverpool with Arne Slot bringing on Federico Chiesa and Curtis Jones.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:42 , Mike Jones80 mins: 10 minutes plus stoppage time to play at Anfield.
Liverpool have comfortable lead and they’ve stalled the intent of Newcastle to score again.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:41 , Mike Jones77 mins: Lewis Hall sweeps forward on the left side as Newcastle go searching for a way back into the match.
Hall’s cross is powerfully headed away by Konate. Newcastle throw the ball back in play and win themselves a corner.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:34 , Mike Jones73 mins: Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga are hooked by Eddie Howe.
On come, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, and Jacob Murphy.
All like-for-like but attacking changes from Howe as he looks to get newcastle back into the contest.
Is this game a triumph of Liverpool's recruitment?
21:33 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldIs this game a triumph of Liverpool's recruitment?
“Ekitike has two goals, Wirtz a goal and an assist. Even Milos Kerkez has an assist.
“Though Isak, obviously, has none of them tonight.”
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle
21:31 , Mike Jones70 mins: Mo Salah now has a shot at goal following a driving run from the right. He hits the side netting.
Newcastle are preparing changes.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle (Florian Wirtz, 67')
21:29 , Mike JonesI didn’t plan that!
Mo Salah receives the ball out on the right side and draws in a couple of defenders before releasing a pass to Florian Wirtz.
Wirtz doesn’t even look up and strikes his shot first time, rolling it perfectly across the deck and into the far bottom corner.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:28 , Mike Jones66 mins: Barnes works a cross into the box from the left wing but there’s no Newcastle men around to stop Alisson from coming out and claiming the ball.
There’s been plenty of shots from both teams in this half. It’s screaming out for more goals!
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:26 , Mike Jones63 mins: Ryan Gravenberch takes a shot from range and fires his effort high and wide.
The next goal could be crucial. If Newcastle get it they’re right in the game, Liverpool could close it out with a two goal lead.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:21 , Mike Jones60 mins: Save!
Newcastle lift the ball into the Liverpool box and it gets headed down to Harvey Barnes.
He strikes a first time shot but Alisson drops quickly and palms it away.
The offside flag then goes up, probably from the initial forward ball but Alisson wasn’t to know that and denied Barnes’ fine strike.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:19 , Mike Jones57 mins: Chance for Liverpoool.
They win themselves a free kick outside the penalty area about 30 yards from goals - if not further.
Salah and Szoboszlai stand over the ball before Salah moves away.
Szoboszlai, instead of shooting, dinks the ball to the left side of the box where Van Dijk meets it with a header that he sends into the hands of Pope.
This situation is perfect for Ekitike on the break
21:16 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldBoth of these teams are configured to play on the counter-attack.
“If Newcastle had kept their lead for longer, it might have really suited them.
“Instead, it is a scenario that could be perfect for Liverpool to use Ekitike's pace on the break.”
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:12 , Mike Jones51 mins: Chance!
Liverpool send the ball long, Ekitike nips in behind Dan Burn and collects the ball as the defender miscontrols it.
Ekitike touches the ball into the box and lets fly but his effort is always curling away from the far post!
He needs to hit the target there at least!
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:11 , Mike Jones50 mins: Ekitike holds the ball up well out on the left wing before slipping it into the middle.
Liverpool lay the ball off to the arriving Szoboszlai but his effort is deflected into the hands of Nick Pope.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:09 , Mike Jones48 mins: Gravenberch makes a foul in the middle of the pitch and hands Newcastle a free kick.
The visitors boot it long through Sandro Tonali but Ibrahima Konate leaps highest to head it away.
Second Half! Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
21:07 , Mike JonesNo changes from either manager at the break. Liverpool get the ball rolling again for the second half and bring a slim lead into the next 45 minutes.
The Liam Rosenior touch that’s building a different legacy at Chelsea
21:03 , Miguel Delaney at Stamford BridgeFor Chelsea, that’s how you build a connection, and a team. As for West Ham United, that’s how you get into another tailspin, but it’s still hard to say how they threw that away.
It was probably the substitutions of both managers.
Whatever you put it down to, Chelsea went from getting booed off at half-time when 2-0 down to scoring a vintage stoppage-time winner for a 3-2 victory. The melee at the end, that resulted in a Jean-Clair Todibo red card, only fed into the raucous feeling.
The Liam Rosenior touch that’s building a different legacy at Chelsea
Half-time! Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
20:51 , Mike Jones45+5 mins: What a cracking first time.
Liverpool didn’t seem alive until Anthony Gordon bullied in the opening goal as Newcastle were rewarded for the dominance.
Liverpool then bit back with a swift aggressive counter punch. Hugo Ekitike scored twice and the hosts head into the break with the lead.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
20:50 , Mike Jones45 mins: Five minutes of added time to play at Anfield.
That's why Newcastle wanted Ekitike
20:45 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThat's why Newcastle wanted Hugo Ekitike. They tried to sign him twice.
“He now has two goals against them tonight, three this season.”
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle (Hugo Ekitike, 43')
20:44 , Mike JonesTwo in two for the Frenchman.
He hangs up front and receives the ball on the turn. He dribbles at Thiaw, carrying the ball into the box before guiding the ball past Pope to send Liverpool into the lead!
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle (Hugo Ekitike, 41')
20:42 , Mike JonesEkitike starts the move and drives towards the penalty area.
Liverpool feed the ball over to Salah who shoots and sees his effort blocked.
Wirtz gets it back, weaves in between two defenders then pokes it across to Ekitike who prods it into the back of the net.
Equaliser.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
20:40 , Mike Jones39 mins: Liverpool have turned up the heat since going behind.
Mo Salah receives the ball inside the box and shoots on the spin but Pope pushes it wide before the offside flag is raised.
A strange statistic for Gordon
20:39 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldGordon’s first Premier League goal in open play for over a year, a strange statistic considering how prolific he has been in the Champions League.
“Newcastle lead at a ground where they have not won this millennium.”
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle (Anthony Gordon, 36')
20:37 , Mike JonesBang!
Newcastle take the lead and it’s a deserved one.
They break quickly and feed it out wide on the left. Harvey Barnes is the target in the middle of the box but he can’t control it.
Instead the ball rolls through to Anthony Gordon who touches it and then drills a low effort into the far bottom corner!
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:35 , Mike Jones34 mins: Better from Liverpool who are starting to push higher up the pitch and get into dangerous areas.
But, Gravenberch loses possession on the edge of the box and Newcastle quickly transition into a counter-attack which peters out before it truly cause any trouble.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:33 , Mike Jones31 mins: Liverpool attempt to keep hold of the ball before Ryan Gravenberch drifts forward and collects Wirtz’s pass.
He pokes it to Ekitike who fizzes another shot at goal from inside the box and forces Pope to turn it wide.
Stop-start play
20:27 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldEven though their August meeting was one of the games of the season, there was a statistic that that ball was actually in play for remarkably little of the 100+ minutes.
“So far tonight, it doesn't feel like it has been in play that much.”
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:26 , Mike Jones... Post!
Lewis Hall jumps over the dead ball and flicks it to Harvey Barnes.
He curls it around the wall and smokes his effort into the far post!
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:25 , Mike Jones24 mins: Gordon wins a free kick for Newcastle, who have been the better side, and it’s just outside the box.
Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes stand over the ball...
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:21 , Mike Jones21 mins: Salah is slipped in behind and sprints forward from inside his own half.
He carries the ball into the box only to be dispossessed by a back-tracking Kieran Trippier.
Newcastle bring the ball down the other end and win a corner. It comes to nothing.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:17 , Mike Jones18 mins: A beautiful ball from Florian Wirtz sees him switch the play out to the right wing where Mo Salah stretches for the dropping ball but can’t keep it in play.
Liverpool recover it from Newcastle’s throw in and Hugo Ekitike strikes a shto from range forcing Nick Pope into a low save.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:16 , Mike Jones15 mins: Virgil van Dijk looks to flick the ball behind the Newcastle defence but has no runners to receive it.
Liverpool have struggled to get into rhythm. Newcastle’s press and organisation has kept the Reds at bay.
There is a risk Gordon gets too fired up
20:13 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldAnthony Gordon was sent off when these teams met at St James' Park. Now he has been booked for sliding in on Alisson.
“A boyhood Liverpool fan, a former Everton player, the risk may be that he gets too fired up for such matches.”
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:13 , Mike Jones12 mins: Szoboszlai is quite aggressive in defending against Lewis Hall but the referee sees no issue with his challenge.
Anthony Gordon is then booked for a lunge on Alisson as the Liverpool goalkeeper looks to move the ball up the pitch.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: Anthony Gordon and Alexis Mac Allister come together off the ball with Gordon lunging out and striking the Argentine’s throat.
Mac Allister is red in the face but gets back on his feet. Gordon shakes his head as he walks away from the incident with only a warning.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:05 , Mike Jones6 mins: The Newcastle fans are in full voice as they cheer Joe Willock.
Willock needed a bit of treatment after landing awkwardly during the previous corner.
Dominik Szoboszlai is playing at right-back tonight to plug a gap left by Liverpool’s injuries.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:02 , Mike Jones3 mins: Newcastle haven’t won any of the last nine Premier League matches that Bruno Guimaraes has missed.
Anthony Gordon starts as the central striker and is fed the ball whilst darting into the box.
He pulls one back but Milos Kerkez is there to boot the ball behind for a corner.
The corner is swung into the middle but Virgil van Dijk leaps highest and nods it away.
Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
20:01 , Mike JonesNewcastle get the ball rolling at Anfield.
They are without Bruno Guimaraes tonight and don’t have the best record without their captain and talisman.
Can they spring a shock on Liverpool?
Finding some home form
19:50 , Mike JonesSince beating Bournemouth 4-2 on the opening weekend, Liverpool haven’t scored more than twice in any of their last 10 Premier League home games.
They’re averaging just 1.45 goals per game at Anfield this term, their lowest in a campaign since 2011-12.
Away day struggles
19:45 , Mike JonesOnly Sunderland (7) and Wolves (7) have failed to score in more Premier League away games than Newcastle this season (6).
70% of the Magpies away goals this term (7/10) have come in their two wins on the road (4-1 v Everton, 3-1 v Burnley).
Striking late
19:40 , Mike JonesNo side has scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season than Liverpool (13), while only Bournemouth (13) have conceded more in this time frame than Newcastle (12).
Salah vs Newcastle
19:35 , Mike JonesAgainst no side has Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah been involved in more Premier League goals than he has against Newcastle (19).
An assist in this match will see him become the first player in Premier League history record double figures for both goals and assists against an opponent.
How Alexander Isak’s record move left Liverpool and Newcastle with an improbable outcome
19:30 , Richard JollyAlexander Isak will, once again, be conspicuous by his absence. The last time the Swede took the field as Liverpool faced Newcastle United, he ended the game in a conversation with Virgil van Dijk that kept the amateur lip-readers busy.
He also won Newcastle their first major trophy since the 1960s with a Carabao Cup final decider that should have guaranteed him heroic status for life on Tyneside.
It did not quite work out that way. Isak was the on-strike striker when Newcastle and Liverpool reconvened in August.
The improbable outcome from Alexander Isak’s record Liverpool move
Szoboszlai the star man
19:25 , Mike JonesLiverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai has had more shots from outside the box than any other player in the Premier League this season (33), while he’s also had the highest percentage from distance among all players to have at least 25 attempts (73% - 33/45).
Newcastle's creator
19:20 , Mike JonesNewcastle’s Bruno Guimarães has made more defensive line breaking passes than any other player in the Premier League this season (35).
Meanwhile, only Granit Xhaka has made more line breaking passes that have led to a goal (8) than the Magpies captain (6).
A double for Liverpool?
19:15 , Mike JonesLiverpool are looking to complete the Premier League double over Newcastle for the 12th time having beaten the Magpies 3-2 at St. James’ Park in August.
It would be the most they’ve done so against a specific opponent in the competition (currently 11, joint with West Ham).
An unwanted record for Newcastle
19:10 , Mike JonesNewcastle have failed to win any of their last 29 Premier League away games against Liverpool (five draws, 25 defeats).
It is their joint-longest winless run against an opponent in their league history (also 29 at Man Utd between 1973 and 2012).
It looks Szoboszlai at right-back
19:05 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThere is no Alexander Isak for the game between the clubs who fought over his services, but that was long an inevitability because of his broken leg.
“The surprise is that Newcastle don't pick either of the strikers they signed for the £125m they got for Isak, with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade both benched.
“Anthony Gordon may play as a false nine. Meanwhile, it looks like Dominik Szoboszlai will be the stand-in right-back for Liverpool.
“Curtis Jones, subject of interest from Inter Milan, is on the bench.”
Liverpool's winning run
19:05 , Mike JonesLiverpool are unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League games against Newcastle - with 13 wins and five draws - since a 2-0 away loss in December 2015.
Arne Slot urges Liverpool to take dominant European form into domestic campaign
19:00 , Mike JonesLiverpool head coach Arne Slot was delighted to have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League but even he admitted the 6-0 thrashing of Qarabag was unlikely to quell the noise surrounding their domestic form.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister scored twice and there were goals for Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah – his first for the club since November 1 – and Federico Chiesa in a romp at Anfield which saw them secure third place in the table and avoid the play-off round.
Arne Slot urges Liverpool to take dominant European form into domestic campaign
Liverpool vs Newcastle team changes
18:55 , Mike JonesArne Slot makes two changes from the team that lined-up against Qarabag during the week.
Jeremie Frimpong is injured so he is replaced by Ibrahima Konate while Milos Kerkez comes in for Any Robertson.
As for Newcastle, Eddie Howe makes three changes to the team that drew with PSG. Out go Lewis Miley, Sven Botman and Nick Woltemade with Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga and Kieran Trippier replacing them.
Newcastle team to face Liverpool
18:50 , Mike JonesNewcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
HOWAY THE LADS 👊 pic.twitter.com/4Ho1wwQ2iM
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 31, 2026
Liverpool team to face Newcastle
18:45 , Mike JonesLiverpool XI: Alisson; Gravenberch, Konate Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
The Reds to take on Newcastle at Anfield 💪🔴 #LIVNEW
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 31, 2026
Almost time for team news
18:42 , Mike JonesWe’re now just a few minutes away from the line-ups being revealed for the game.
I’d expect both managers to make a few tweaks to their teams but how they’ll set up - with both juggling injuries to key players - remains unknown... for now.
Slot on Anfield atmosphere
18:36 , Mike JonesArne Slot is looking forward to the atmosphere the Liverpool fans will bring to tonight’s match with Newcastle.
Writing in his programme notes for the game, the Liverpool boss said: “Our clubs share a great history and I have no doubt whatsoever that this encounter will be every bit as competitive as the ones that have preceded it.
"After our last meeting I spoke about the impact that a hostile home crowd had on that occasion so I am really looking forward to seeing - and more importantly, hearing - our fans do the same under the lights at Anfield.
"As always, we will be looking to create that virtuous circle of performance on the pitch and a passionate atmosphere in the stands so let's look to be the best that we can be."
Why I’m breaking up with Eddie Howe... maybe
18:30 , Adam ClearyI’ve been getting asked to “say something” about Newcastle United for, like, six months now, so here you are. My name is Adam Clery and I am in a toxic relationship with my football team.
The problem I have is that I cling – tightly – to two entirely contradictory opinions. The first is that I actually don’t ever want Eddie Howe to not be Newcastle United manager. I’d give him the job until he is biologically unable to keep doing it. In 100 years’ time I would quite happily see a brain floating in a jar of formaldehyde on the touchline, Adidas-branded electrodes running wires to a printer that just keeps spitting out a piece of paper with “4-3-3” written on it.
Burn hopes Newcastle take confidence from PSG draw
18:24 , Mike JonesDuring the week Newcastle drew 1-1 in Paris against the Champions League holders PSG.
Dan Burn returned from injury for that game and hopes his team can take some confidence away from that result.
"We've just gone toe-to-toe with the best team in the world, in my opinion, at the moment so listen, we've got nothing to fear,” said Burn.
"I don't think we've ever really done that as a team, going into those games and fear it. We've always went in 100 per cent and we always seem to perform. It's going to be a tough run of games but this is what you play football for.
"You want to play week in, week out against the best teams in England, the best teams in the world, and we've got that opportunity at the moment."
Howe on facing Liverpool
18:18 , Mike JonesEddie Howe says that Newcastle will focus on themselves when they travel to Anfield tonight.
"For us it's about making sure we perform in every game, regardless of where we play,” said the Newcastle boss.
"It's a great fixture. Historically, it's been a great fixture. We want to try and do that justice by being the best we can."
Virgil van Dijk expecting a challenge from Newcastle
18:12 , Mike JonesThe Liverpool captain wrote in the programme notes for tonight’s match and explained how he is expecting a challenge from the Magpies but knows the Anfield atmosphere will help the team
Van Dijk said: "We know the importance of this game. Never mind the league table or the fact that we are playing against a very good Newcastle team, when you play for Liverpool at Anfield you are expected to deliver. We accept that expectation, and we are looking forward to the challenge.
"We are expecting another battle tonight. We know the challenges Newcastle will pose. They are strong and physical, and they have good, experienced players across the pitch.
"A key difference this time, though, is that it will be you guys who are creating the atmosphere.”
A bad start to the year
18:06 , Mike JonesLiverpool are winless in their last five Premier League games (D4 L1), last having a longer run in a single season between November and January in 2002-03 (11 under Gérard Houllier).
Indeed, Liverpool could fail to win each of their opening six league fixtures of a calendar year for the first time since 1954 (first 10) – the last year in which they were relegated.
Arne Slot appears to rule out new signings despite Liverpool’s growing injury concerns
18:00 , Chris WilsonLiverpool manager Arne Slot appeared to rule out making a defensive signing this month despite admitting that he thinks Jeremie Frimpong will be “out for a period of time” after the Dutchman was forced off against Qarabag.
Frimpong pulled up with a potential hamstring injury within the first three minutes of the Reds’ 6-0 demolition of the Azerbaijani side, with the Dutchman falling and requiring treatment before trudging off and being replaced by Wataru Endo.
Arne Slot appears to rule out new signings despite growing injury concerns
Joelinton could be back in 'weeks'
17:54 , Mike JonesAnother injury update from Eddie Howe who spoke about Joelinton this time.
He said: "He flew on to Barcelona after the game to get an injection in his groin. It was good news.
“The specialist feels he only needs one injection and that means his return could be quite quick and we're looking at weeks, not months.
"Unsure of the exact date yet, but it's positive news."
Guimaraes is a doubt for Newcastle
17:48 , Mike JonesNewcastle boss Eddie Howe issued an update on his captain, who is a doubt for today’s game.
Howe said: “It’s slightly unknown at the moment. He did really well to be with us in Paris, that was down to the fact he was desperate to support the players.
“He did very, very light training. He trained with us yesterday but that was more of a test so we’ll see how he is today. This will be where we decide [for Saturday].”
Slot issues updates on Gomez and Frimpong
17:42 , Mike JonesIt is likely that Liverpool will play with a makeshift right-back today with their professional defenders all injured.
Of Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez, Arne Slot said: : “He [Frimpong] will definitely not be in the squad tomorrow, so he is out for a few weeks. But [it’s] not as bad as we thought he would be out. It’s something positive from something not so positive.
“Joe will not be available but that doesn’t have to take much longer anymore, but he will not be available for the weekend.”
Liverpool hit Qarabag for six as Arne Slot uses Champions League triumph to drown out noise
17:36 , Chris McKennaArne Slot said before the game it is going to be really difficult to shut down the noise around Liverpool given their struggles so far this season.
Yet this was a performance which surely turns down the volume a little even if it will still be far from silencing the critics.
In Europe, the Reds are certainly setting a different tone to the one in the Premier League.
Liverpool hit Qarabag for six as Slot uses European triumph to drown out noise
Liverpool vs Newcastle predicted line-ups
17:30 , Mike JonesHere’s how we see the two teams lining up at Anfield tonight. Things can, of course, be different we’ll just have to see how both managers think the game will play out.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Jones, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Predicted Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.
Newcastle's absentees
17:24 , Mike JonesNewcastle will be without Joelinton due to a groin problem but welcomed back countryman Bruno Guimaraes for the PSG clash.
Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar remain sidelined.
Early team news for Liverpool
17:18 , Mike JonesLiverpool’s defensive injury crisis was worsened further on Wednesday as Jeremie Frimpong limped off with a hamstring problem just four minutes into the Qarabag contest.
Arne Slot has already ruled him out, while Joe Gomez is also unlikely to return from injury. Ibrahima Konate has been on compassionate leave and his return remains unclear.
How can I watch it?
17:12 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 7pm.
Subscribers can also watch the match on discovery+.
When is Liverpool vs Newcastle?
17:06 , Mike JonesLiverpool’s clash with Newcastle kicks off at 8pm GMT on Saturday 31 January at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Newcastle
17:00 , Mike JonesLiverpool will hope to carry momentum from European progression into the Premier League as they play host to Newcastle United.
The Reds are on a barren run of five league games without a win, with their stoppage-time defeat at Bournemouth last weekend following four successive draws.
Arne Slot’s men have, however, found solace in the Champions League and sealed qualification to the last 16 by thrashing Qarabag 6-0 on Wednesday, achieving what Newcastle couldn’t as the Magpies were forced to settle for the knockout play-offs with a draw at Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle, who succumbed to a 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa in their last league outing, will hope to pile the pressure back on Slot at Anfield as Eddie Howe goes all out for revenge, with teenager Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute winner from the reverse fixture still fresh in Geordie minds.
Good afternoon!
14:05 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Liverpool host Newcastle at Anfield.
The Reds are hoping to get back to winning ways after five league matches without a victory and three points in Merseyside will help them shoot up the table and challenge for the top four.
Newcastle are in a similar boat. A 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last time out will have hurt but they performed strongly against PSG in the Champions League during the week, drawing 1-1 at the Parc de Princes, so Eddie Howe will be confident of putting in a good show.
Follow all the latest team news and updates as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
