Betting Tips: Liverpool vs Newcastle

With the Reds unlikely to give much away at the back, our tipster believes the Magpies' resolute defence could ensure goals are few and far between

Liverpool will be aiming to bolster their position at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield on Boxing Day.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently four points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who fell to a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Having won 18 and lost none of their last 22 home games against this opposition, they are 4/25 (1.16) favourites with SportPesa to maintain their place at the top by coming out on top once again.

The Magpies’ last league victory at this ground was way back in 1994, but you can get odds of 17/1 (18.00) on them pulling off a shock win in this one.

Two of the last three encounters between the sides have resulted in draws, and there are odds of 27/4 (7.75) available on this one also finishing up all square.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are still ruled out and Naby Keita is doubtful after going off injured in Friday’s victory at Wolves, although Trent Alexander-Arnold could be set to return following a short lay-off.

Karl Darlow is ruled out and Ciaran Clark, Florain Lejeune and Jonjo Shelvey will face late fitness tests, while Ki Sung-yueng is unavailable after heading off to the Asian Cup.

Having conceded a measly seven goals in 18 league games so far this campaign, the Reds’ much improved backline has made them a far more realistic title contender than the full throttle football of last season.

Indeed, Liverpool will certainly back themselves to stay solid against the second least prolific team in the division considering they have conceded just twice in 13 league matches on home turf.

However, it will prove more of a challenge at the other end of the pitch, where Rafa Benitez’s team has let in just 22 goals in 18 league games.

With Newcastle having conceded more than three goals just once in 66 league games under the Spaniard, odds of 20/27 (1.74) offer solid value on him keeping the scoreline to under 3.5 goals for the 28th league match in 29, as well as a seventh in eight versus Liverpool.