MatchThe opposition lowdown: Newcastle United

Season so far

Eddie Howe's team were placed ninth in the table ahead of this weekend's fixtures, having accrued 33 points from 23 games.

Last time out in the top flight, they were turned over 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.

In midweek, meanwhile, Newcastle drew 1-1 away at Paris Saint-Germain on the final day of the Champions League league phase.

That result meant they ended in 12th place in the table and will contest a knockout play-off next month versus Qarabag.

Key players

Bruno Guimaraes is Newcastle's leading scorer in the Premier League this term with eight goals, one ahead of Nick Woltemade.

The Brazilian has also supplied three assists, a team-high figure alongside Lewis Miley.

Nick Pope is on seven clean sheets in the division.

Previous meeting

There was drama throughout when the sides met at St. James' Park last August.

Ryan Gravenberch put Liverpool ahead from long range during a first half that ended with Anthony Gordon being sent off.

Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead but Guimaraes and William Osula struck back to bring the home team level.

Ten minutes into added time, though, substitute Rio Ngumoha finished a flowing Reds move to grab all three points.

Team news

Newcastle will make a late decision on the inclusion of their captain, Guimaraes.

He was an unused substitute in midweek and Howe said on Friday: "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."

Joelinton and Tino Livramento are confirmed absentees, however. Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar have also been sidelined.

What they said

Newcastle head coach Howe

"I'm really pleased with Wednesday and really pleased we showed really good defensive qualities.

"For us it's about making sure we perform in every game, regardless of where we play. It's a great fixture. Historically, it's been a great fixture. We want to try to do that justice by being the best we can."

Pre-match stats

• Guimaraes has made more defensive-line-breaking passes than any other player in the Premier League this season (35)
• Since winning their first ever Premier League game at Anfield in April 1994, Newcastle have failed to win any of their 29 visits in the competition
• Howe's charges have had the most corners (148) and open-play crosses (438) in the division in 2025-26
• Newcastle have yet to concede a goal in the opening 15 minutes of a Premier League fixture this term