Liverpool look to extend dominance as Newcastle aims for redemption

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PREMIER LEAGUE Liverpool look to extend dominance as Newcastle aims for redemption

Festus Chuma 12:30 - 27.08.2023

Liverpool aims to continue their unbeaten run against Newcastle after triumphing over Bournemouth, while the Magpies seek redemption and revenge.

Liverpool FC is set to clash with Newcastle United in a highly anticipated match at St James' Park this Sunday. 

The upcoming encounter promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams coming off contrasting performances in their previous outings.

Newcastle United, commonly known as the Magpies, faced a tough challenge in their recent match against treble winners Manchester City, ending in a narrow 1-0 defeat. 

Eddie Howe's men had previously showcased their attacking prowess by routing Aston Villa 5-0 on the opening day of the season. 

However, their journey to the Etihad Stadium was met with the reality of a potent Manchester City side still feeling the effects of their UEFA Super Cup exploits. 

The Magpies displayed moments of promise, but it was Phil Foden's playmaking that set up Julian Alvarez's decisive goal in the 31st minute. 

Despite a spirited effort, Newcastle could not capitalize, and Erling Haaland's misfiring performance added to their woes.

Eddie Howe departed the Etihad with a sense of disappointment, feeling that his side fell short of the lofty expectations they had established after their resounding victory over Aston Villa. 

As the third gameweek approaches, Newcastle finds themselves sitting in eighth place in the table. 

However, early-season standings are often deceptive, and the Magpies must work to solidify their position.

One concerning statistic is their struggle to maintain clean sheets, with only one in their last 13 Premier League matches.

Interestingly, St James' Park has been a fortress for Newcastle, as they've lost just three times in the Premier League since the beginning of 2022. 

However, Liverpool has been their Achilles' heel, having triumphed in two of those encounters despite trailing by a goal initially. 

The Reds showcased their resilience against Bournemouth, overturning a one-goal deficit to secure a 3-1 victory. The match began with chaos as Antoine Semenyo put Bournemouth ahead in just three minutes. Liverpool's vulnerability in midfield was evident, but they swiftly regained control.

 Luis Diaz's acrobatic strike, Mohamed Salah's penalty rebound, and Diogo Jota's tap-in orchestrated their comeback.

Even a second-half red card for Alexis Mac Allister couldn't halt Liverpool's momentum, thanks to their consistent play and the ever-dependable Alisson Becker's crucial saves.

 The win extended Liverpool's unbeaten streak to 13 Premier League matches since their heavy defeat to Manchester City in April. Jurgen Klopp's team boasts an impressive record of scoring in 12 of those matches, underscoring their offensive prowess. 

Furthermore, Liverpool's history against Newcastle is noteworthy, having netted a remarkable 113 goals against them in the Premier League era.

In their previous clash at St James' Park in February, Liverpool capitalized on Nick Pope's red card to secure a 2-0 victory. This marked their fourth consecutive win against the Magpies. 

The memory of Fabio Carvalho's last-gasp winner at Anfield almost a year ago still lingers, highlighting the competitiveness of their encounters.

As the Liverpool juggernaut rolls into St James' Park, Newcastle United faces a formidable challenge to overcome their historical struggles against the Reds. 

With both teams eager to make their mark early in the season, Sunday's clash promises an enthralling spectacle of football that fans won’twant to miss.