With transfer sagas, fiery midfields and goals almost guaranteed, this clash between Newcastle and Liverpool should entertain - Matthew O'Regan has an 10/1 bet builder.
20:00 Monday
Monday nights fixtures sees Newcastle United host Premier League champions Liverpool at St James Park.
Eddie Howes side opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw at Villa Park- a game they perhaps should’ve won.
The Toon Army outshot Villa 3-16, winning the xG battle 0.20-1.43. Liverpool kicked off their defence of the title with a topsy-turvy 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
Matthew O’Regan previews the big encounter with an 10/1 bet builder.
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Newcastle vs Liverpool Bet Builder Tips
Matthew O’Regan's bet builder tips include Over 4.5 Cards, Ryan Gravenberch To Be Carded, Over 2.5 Goals, Cody Gakpo 1+ Shot on Target,
At the time of publishing it is a best price of 10/1 with bet365.
Total Cards: Over 4.5
The Alexander Isak saga has added an extra narrative to this game. The Swede is refusing to play for Newcastle amid interest from elsewhere, with Eddie Howe adamant in his stance. Add the fact that Liverpool hijacked the move for Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and there is an added element of spice to this fixture.
The opening day draw at Villa Park saw 4 cards, with Ezri Konsas 66th minute red card perhaps stemming the flow of yellows. Last seasons League clash at ST James Park was a feisty affair, seeing seven cards. With Newcastle renowned for their ill discipline, a loud home crowd and extra narrative surrounding the game, Simon Hooper may be forced to brandish a few yellow cards. He flashed five at Old Trafford as Manchester United hosted Arsenal, aswell as averaging 4.7 cards per game last season.
Over 2.5 goals
Last seasons 3-3 draw saw both sides rack up at least 2 xg in a frantic game. Newcastle will be keen to play on the front against a fragile Liverpool defence that have conceded two goals in both competitive games so far this campaign.
Arne Slot’s high pressing, front-foot approach should see a relentless end to end game, with the passionate Geordie faithfuls bound to have an impact on the result.
The new look Reds defence looked susceptible in transition as Bournemouth racked up 1.77 xg. Liverpool also looked excellent going forward with the fluid quarter of Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike purring in a timeless attacking display.
Ryan Gravenberch To Be Carded
The Dutch midfield maestro missed the season opener, perhaps a major reason for the ease The Cherries picked off Liverpool in transition. The 23-year is back from suspension so should slot back into the midfield , especially given the absence of Alexis Mac Allister.
Gravenbech averaged 1.34 fouls per 90 last season picking up seven cards, including in this fixture last year. Against Sandro Tonali (1.68 fouls won p90), Joelinton (1.31) and Bruno Guimaraes (2.96), the Dutchmen has a tough game on his hands to contain the dynamic midfield.
Cody Gakpo Shot On Target.
Perhaps the forgotten man due to the expensive acquisitions of Ekitike and Wirtz, as well as the stellar form of the imperious Salah, Cody Gakpo is set to start again after a goal in the opener.
The 26-year-old recorded two shots on target - an increase on his 1.07 per 90 last season. In an open game, he should have plenty of shooting opportunities.
