The Liverpool Offside - Premier League Coverage: Liverpool vs. Newcastle UnitedZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2018-12-26T17:36:50+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/179201212018-12-26T17:36:50+00:002018-12-26T17:36:50+00:00Klopp Talk: We Could Have Scored More
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Newcastle United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h4uLgeoHVg5FOvHnkrG4qM3rdUc=/0x0:3573x2382/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62738631/1074939912.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Everything is good as Liverpool go six points clear.</p> <p id="q9JkmS"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> are six points clear at the top of the Premier League.</p>
<p id="UC62i6">It’s hard not to feel anything but jubilation after the 4-0 win over <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a>. Liverpool were in total control for the whole game, created a host of chances and thoroughly deserved the three points. And it was all started by a screamer from none other than Dejan Lovren. And the boss seemed pretty happy about it all.</p>
<p id="8xjzoY">“The start of the game offensively was very lively, defensively a bit in between”, Klopp <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/46281825">told</a> BBC Sport. “I didn’t like it too much.”</p>
<p id="yELCWJ">“But apart from that the whole game was really good, we could’ve scored more, the chances were there with fantastic movements. Right to the end we were wanting to control the game but still wanted to score.</p>
<p id="UIvZeP">”It’s difficult to break down Newcastle’s formation, they worked hard but the boys stayed in the game and did the job.</p>
<p id="WLwlUu">”We had no idea about the <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> result until after the game. We play City soon - if I was them I would think there is only four points because we still have to play them, then we play <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> before then as well.</p>
<p id="DP6P6k">”The only thing that matters to us is the performance and keeping that level of performance. It’s good but that’s all. Tottenham are flying - they had a difficult summer but they are doing brilliant.</p>
<p id="wB9DXU">”We are on a good run as well. <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> will win, Arsenal will win, it will be a race until the final day</p>
<p id="PYuuQ0">”But we are in it and that’s important. We’re just creating a basis for the rest of the season and the basis after the first part of the season is obviously a good one.”</p>
<p id="6ExwOv">Also speaking after the game was Newcastle manager and a certain Liverpool hero Rafa Benitez, <a href="https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1077976790814076928">who added that</a> “Liverpool showed that they are good enough to win the title. Very good team, very good squad, to win a league title you need to be consistent and they can do it.”</p>
<p id="lk6Nee">This Liverpool team is great. It’s as good as I can remember it being. We’re six points clear at the top. Just keep it going.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2018/12/26/18156548/jurgen-klopp-on-newcastle-win-rafa-benitez-premier-league-epl-liverpoolGraceOnFootball2018-12-26T16:50:29+00:002018-12-26T16:50:29+00:00Liverpool 4, Newcastle 0: First Thoughts
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<img alt="Liverpool FC v Newcastle United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k02M1GXrzHahVOwXG5tdy2uF1Lw=/0x0:3192x2128/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62738341/1074931676.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool run out deserved winners on Boxing Day, and even manage to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. </p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="il8azF">
<h1 id="7PdLzb">Liverpool 4 - 0 Newcastle</h1>
<h5 id="hkbVTW">Liverpool: Lovren 12’, Salah 47’ (pen), Shaqiri 79’, Fabinho 85’<br>Newcastle: N/A</h5>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8de2YL">
<ul>
<li id="uZHYDv">
<strong>Pre-match Thought: </strong>I hope the lads are less hungover than I am. Kloppo is choosing to rotate in the middle of the park instead of up top, keeping the attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane, and bringing in Xherdan Shaqiri and Georginio Wijnaldum for Naby Keita and Fabinho. Also, Trent Alexander-Arnold comes back in after his brief injury spell. </li>
<li id="f1zJTN">Really Rafa? Making us attack the Kop end first? Dick move, man. I thought we were cool.</li>
<li id="S1kMrP">Close call, as Van Dijk loses a rare aerial duel at the back stick, but thankfully Newcastle could not get the free header on target.</li>
<li id="7HHzMa">And now it’s our turn to miss a good chance! Shaqiri has a great chance in front of the goal but can’t react quick enough to turn the shot on target. </li>
<li id="WldQ2x">
<strong>GOAL! </strong>Sloppy defending from Newcastle, but a phenomenal finish by Dejan Lovren. Robertson’s cross from a corner is a bit long, but it’s headed back into danger by Lascelles, and Lovren blasts a half volley into the top corner. </li>
<li id="5pfBfD">Liverpool have been very close to exposing the Newcastle defense with smart runs by Salah and Mane in behind, but have <em>just</em> come up short on a couple of occasions. Still, bodes well, especially as legs begin to tire. </li>
<li id="j6f9Tk">Bobby’s going to go into the book if he’s not careful. He’s already been called for a few fouls after losing possession and trying to get it back. </li>
<li id="uwlTtm">Gini does well to win a free kick in a dangerous position, and Shaq steps up to take it. He does well to get the ball up and over the wall, but cannot beat the Newcastle keeper. </li>
<li id="PZ2h9r">
<strong>Halftime Thought: </strong>It was a good, if not great, first half but Liverpool are the deserved leaders at the break. Newcastle have remained composed since conceding, and don’t quite look ready to come after Liverpool to chase that goal. Not yet, anyhow. Another goal for the home side should wrap up all three points in the second half. </li>
<li id="rzEcPQ">
<strong>Penalty!</strong> For Liverpool! Amazing! Salah drives into the box and appears to be clipped and held. He goes down and actually earns a penalty for once! It’s a we bit soft, but he’s more than owed one. </li>
<li id="z015TK">
<strong>GOAL!!</strong> Salah steps up and buries a low shot in the corner(ish). The keeper guessed the right way, but it was hit with such pace that it was past him before he could get down. </li>
<li id="GQTrU5">Mane fails to take advantage of Shaqiri winning the ball back high up the pitch. He’s caught in two minds whether to pass or shoot, and takes a moment too long before trying to squeeze it through traffic to Firmino at the back post. </li>
<li id="3ak6Vh">Klopp makes his first change, deciding to keep the midfield fresh through this period. He brings on Fabinho for Gini. </li>
<li id="LGtqB6">Liverpool have played some lovely stuff around the box, but that last pass, touch, or finish has eluded them. It could easily be 3 or 4 at this point.</li>
<li id="dJbqIf">Firmino makes way for Daniel Sturridge with about 20 minutes to play. </li>
<li id="ZCQnvL">
<strong>GOAL!!!</strong> After a sustained period of build up and pressure, Liverpool finally nab their third. TAA plays a fantastic low cross for Shaqiri to attack, and the Swiss international finishes it off with a left-footed tap in. </li>
<li id="sMnHPn">With 10 to go, Robertson gets a well-earned rest, as Nathaniel Clyne comes on to replace him. </li>
<li id="LTsskc">News of Leicester taking a 2-1 lead against City seems to have spread around the stadium, and the Kop reacts in full-throated song. </li>
<li id="NF3DXo">
<strong>GOAL!!!! </strong>And now it’s a fucking party! Fabinho gets his head on the end of a corner, and there can be no doubt about the result today. </li>
<li id="JsCKzz">Mane isn’t having his best match, but he’s always entertaining. He just plucked a long pass from Lovren out of the air with a deft touch, and fired a hard shot just over the target. If only...</li>
<li id="V7MXku">Alisson. My word. Makes a last ditch tackle outside the box, recovers, gets back in the box and makes a save to keep the sheet clean. </li>
<li id="G3eaKC">
<strong>Final Whistle Thought: </strong>This holiday season just keeps on giving! It was a dominating performance from the Reds, and another City shocker allows Liverpool to extend their lead in first place. </li>
</ul>
<p id="uY5dke">We’ll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today’s game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven’t already, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"><strong>join the community on the Liverpool Offside</strong></a>, where we’ll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/26/18156242/liverpool-4-newcastle-0-match-recap-report-epl-2018Zachary Marx2018-12-26T12:00:03+00:002018-12-26T12:00:03+00:00Liverpool vs. Newcastle Live Updates: Lineups, TV Listings, Match Highlights, and How to Watch Online
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<img alt="Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cSiC9ePobDUR4Ue-8Cy4ImIR-1s=/183x0:3423x2160/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62737492/856530986.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Lineups, television and streaming options, and live Premier League coverage as Liverpool face off against Newcastle.</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="eSS58t">
<h2 id="yRy0PP"><strong>LIVERPOOL VS NEWCASTLE</strong></h2>
<h5 id="BS9uoe">
<strong>| Wednesday, December 26th |</strong><br><strong>Premier League | Anfield</strong><br><strong>3PM GMT/10AM EST</strong>
</h5>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="S0wxgh">
<p id="kJdHUP">Today we welcome back our old friend Rafa Benitez, but there’s little room for sentimentality today. <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> face three vital games, starting today, that could see the Reds become clear title favorites as the second half of the season dawns (results pending). Rafa will no doubt set his <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> side out to frustrate, but hopefully Liverpool can see their way through in what should be a tight affair. </p>
<p id="RZtMmT"></p>
<h2 id="9NDgYT"><strong>PREVIEW & VIEWING OPTIONS</strong></h2>
<p id="mkb9zZ"><strong>Full Preview: </strong><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/25/18155634/liverpool-newcastle-preview-epl-2018-team-news-predicted-lineups-how-to-watch">Liverpool vs. Newcastle</a></p>
<p id="cpwC58"><strong>Television:</strong> No Coverage (UK); NBCSN (USA); Optus Sport (Australia); TSN4 (Canada); Star Sports Select HD1 (India); Astro SuperSport 3 (Malaysia); SuperSport 3 (Nigeria); 102 mio Stadium (Singapore); SuperSport 3 (South Africa); other listings at <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/"><strong>LiveSoccerTV</strong></a></p>
<p id="EnrPdL"><strong>Online Streaming:</strong> No Coverage (UK); NBC Sports Live Extra (USA) | <strong>Online Radio:</strong> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fvideo&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2018%2F12%2F26%2F18156138%2Fliverpool-newcastle-epl-2018-goal-highlights-teamsheets-tv-channels-online-streaming" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>LFCTV GO</strong></a> and <a href="http://talksport.com/matchday-live"><strong>TalkSport Radio World</strong></a> (International)</p>
<h2 id="QAXDH8"><strong>LIVERPOOL</strong></h2>
<p id="vYdUOl"><em>Starting XI: </em>Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum; Shaqiri, Mane, Firmino; Salah</p>
<p id="7TxPYe"><em>Bench:</em> Mignolet, Clyne, Fabinho, Keita, Sturridge, Lallana, Origi</p>
<h2 id="lcc8Qt"><strong>NEWCASTLE</strong></h2>
<p id="Mz37Vi"><em>Starting XI: </em>Dubravka; Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Dummett; Richie, Hayden, Diame, Kenedy; Muto, Joselu</p>
<p id="E7yTbm"><em>Bench:</em> Woodman, Schar, Manquillo, Longstaff, Murphy, Perez, Rondon</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qIE84k">
<h2 id="OLBW92"><strong>FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHTS</strong></h2>
<div id="86kKSk"><div style="width:100%;height:0px;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.327%;"><iframe src="https://streamja.com/embed/1Klk" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen="" style="width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="4XYvq2"><strong>Lovren 11’ - A ROCKET FROM ONE OF THE BEST DEFENDERS IN THE WORLD! </strong>Picking up a misplaced clearance from Newcastle! </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sypmLy">
<h2 id="lGyola"><strong>SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHTS</strong></h2>
<div id="QfH0Nx"><div style="width:100%;height:0px;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.327%;"><iframe src="https://streamja.com/embed/1KXk" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen="" style="width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="uXXSu4"><strong>Salah 48’ (Penalty) - After a pretty soft fall, Liverpool get their one penalty at Anfield this year and Salah sends it home! </strong></p>
<div id="J95r8q"><div style="width:100%;height:0px;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.327%;"><iframe src="https://streamja.com/embed/V6r1" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen="" style="width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="OMBVq4"><strong>Shaqiri 80’ - Shaq attaq in the right place at the right time to take advantage of a pinpoint pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold and make it three! </strong></p>
<div id="n5ICAl"><div style="width:100%;height:0px;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.327%;"><iframe src="https://streamja.com/embed/mp33" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen="" style="width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="KxiChO"><strong>Fabinho 84’ - FAB GETS HIS FIRST! Salah takes a Liverpool corner and Fabinho glances it in for his first Liverpool goal! </strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Wh38LY">
<h2 id="BVUD1i"><strong>JOIN THE CONVERSATION</strong></h2>
<p id="zXWJXG">If you haven’t already, sign up for an SB Nation account and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373"><strong>join the conversation on The Liverpool Offside,</strong></a> where we’ll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, opinion, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/26/18156138/liverpool-newcastle-epl-2018-goal-highlights-teamsheets-tv-channels-online-streamingZachary Marx2018-12-26T03:00:09+00:002018-12-26T03:00:09+00:00Klopp Talk: Focus Is On Newcastle, Not Title Race
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zWuqHJBwdxJAOyipYt8jnoypilU=/0x379:2055x1749/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62736700/1074571014.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The boss is ready to look ahead, but not that far ahead.</p> <p id="PbPJaW">Season’s greetings! While you gathered ‘round the Christmas tree with family and loved ones — or, if you’re like me, counted down the hours until Boxing Day because somehow you got pink eye and you need to go to the doctor — Jürgen Klopp had his pre-<a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> press conference.</p>
<p id="fhSpQI">While we all may be going to sleep with dreams of sugar plums and league titles dancing in our heads, the boss is adamant that they take things one step at a time. But of course, he said it in his own, inimitable Klopp style.</p>
<p id="UoAemD">“There is no pressure, I don’t see the pressure,” <a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-boss-jurgen-klopp-feeling-15593792">he said</a>. “Yes there is pressure because we want to win against Newcastle and that is difficult enough. But if I saw someone in a pre-match interview asking a player about May and stuff like that, I would take the mic and throw it somewhere.</p>
<p id="TSD7QC">“We have to play football, not think about what we can do in the summer. If we are not first in the table on January 3 (when <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> are at City) for example then we would probably have lost a game. Does that mean that everything we have done so far is shit?</p>
<p id="XK4N8c">“If we lose a game one day and everybody immediately starts saying we showed we cannot deal with the pressure, there are still 17 games to go or whatever.</p>
<p id="8wyfqx">“I’m completely relaxed with the situation in this moment. I’m not too relaxed around the games, I am really on my toes I would say, but there is no extra pressure on us because of a four-point gap.”</p>
<p id="aZxElA">There are two more games left in 2018. If Liverpool can find a way to victory against Newcastle on Wednesday and then <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> on Saturday, then they can begin 2019 on top. That’s a pretty good place to be.</p>
<p id="fDV8tK"></p>
<p id="wmJydZ"></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2018/12/26/18155865/klopp-talk-focus-is-on-newcastle-not-title-race-manchester-cityepicskyline2018-12-25T20:00:02+00:002018-12-25T20:00:02+00:00Liverpool Welcome Back Rafa Benitez for Boxing Day
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<img alt="Liverpool v Newcastle United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cW5Fn_F1Vn2emQ-ui32bWmFOfrU=/0x66:3720x2546/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62735773/523459590.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jürgen Klopp and the fans will be happy to see Rafa again—even if they’ll be wanting to take all three points from him.</p> <p id="T1zHDU">Pretty much from day one, Jürgen Klopp has seemed a perfect fit for <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> football club. From the passion to <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2017/11/23/16694130/jurgen-klopp-politics-left-wing-shankly-socialism-never-vote-for-right">the politics</a>, it’s hard to think of another manager in the modern game who would match up so well with the club, its fans, and their obsessions.</p>
<p id="S7a0Yd">Or, perhaps more rightly, it’s hard to think of more than one other. And <em>that</em> manager will bring <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> to Anfield on Boxing Day looking to spoil Liverpool’s unbeaten league season. Whatever happens, he’ll get a fully deserved—and very warm—welcome.</p>
<p id="jPi1Xs">“I have known him for a long time,” Klopp said of former Liverpool and current Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez ahead of Wednesday’s meeting between the two sides. “I knew him before I came to Liverpool and he always did a brilliant job.</p>
<p id="3xhIEC">“The supporters of this club are famous for not forgetting people who did an outstanding job here. It’s not only Rafa but it’s Rafa especially because he is still in the Premier League and from time to time around—still living in the area, became a proper Scouser.</p>
<p id="6WQokh">“I like him. He is a fantastic manager and also a really good person, so I’m happy for him that he always gets this kind of reception, it’s nice. It shows that obviously Liverpudlians, they don’t forget that easily. It’s good for him, very good.”</p>
<p id="1CjldA">As for Rafa, as much as he may appreciate the high regard he’s still held in by Liverpool fans, he’s got his own concerns, with Newcastle struggling and desperately in need of three points on Wednesday as they hang just above the relegation zone.</p>
<p id="DfDhGA">One imagines he, more than any other current manager, would enjoy Liverpool winning the league come May. He’ll be hoping they can do that, though, with one blemish in the loss column—which would stand a miracle Newcastle just might need to survive.</p>
<p id="uXAwnj">“If we can be better than three teams, it will be another miracle,” Benitez said this week of his side’s chances of surviving in England’s top flight. “It was a miracle last year. If we do the same this year with teams spending even more, it will be a miracle.”</p>
<p id="N66vN2">Newcastle managed to finish tenth last season with what was essentially a Championship-calibre side, one that Mike Ashley hasn’t given Benitez the funds to improve on this season as the unpopular owner waits on a sale that may never come.</p>
<p id="9Zn8Ob">Now, depending on how the Boxing Day results go, they could end the first half of the season just two points clear of the bottom three. For Newcastle and Rafa, there can be no thoughts of warm welcomes on Wednesday—only of winning.</p>
<p id="plswvk">The same goes for Liverpool and for Klopp. The reception the former manager will get at Anfield might be a nice thing to touch on, for a moment, pre- and post-match, but the only thing that will really matter when the game kicks off is the three points.</p>
<p id="tJTYpi">“Nobody was really happy with the amount of money they had to sign players,” Klopp noted of Wednesday’s opponents. “But Rafa is too experienced to carry that through a full season. Now they are settled and are in a good moment after a difficult start.</p>
<p id="tL2G1e">“It was always difficult to play against them, at Newcastle and here at home as well. We know it will be a tough job. We need to stay angry, stay greedy, stay really in the job. That’s what we have to do against Newcastle.”</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2018/12/25/18155603/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-welcome-back-rafa-benitez-boxing-day-anfield-newcastleNoel Chomyn2018-12-25T16:30:04+00:002018-12-25T16:30:04+00:00Preview: Liverpool vs. Newcastle
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<img alt="Liverpool v Newcastle United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u0yhCOJboJH7ego_lqoBehePbdY=/0x198:2406x1802/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62735908/523515696.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Having gone into Christmas at the top of the table, the Reds look to end 2018 in the same manner.</p> <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qm9v04">
<h2 id="BqgYiQ">Liverpool vs Newcastle</h2>
<h5 id="gH6SAI">| Wednesday, December 26th |<br>Premier League | Anfield<br>3PM BST / 10AM EST</h5>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="p59dVn">
<p id="5ehl08"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> legend Roy Hodgson came through in the clutch on Sunday, as the Malmö and Neuchatel luminary guided his <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace</a> side to a famous 3-2 win over the Reds’ closest rivals, allowing Jürgen Klopp’s men to open up a four-point gap between themselves and <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>.</p>
<p id="S3Y6go">Now, the Merseysiders will attempt to maintain their lead, as they host former manager Rafa Benitez and his <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> on Boxing Day. Rafa’s tenure on Tyneside has predictably been riddled with ownership drama, as Mike Ashley continues to provide any sort of significant financial backing to the club he owns and purports to love. As a result, the Magpies have been unable to build on last season’s tenth-place finish, turning a £10m profit in the transfer market while seeing their performances drop due to a lack of quality up front.</p>
<p id="G8mbUd">Rafa’s charges have only scored 14 goals in 18 matches this season, and while Salomón Rondón can always be a handful for defenders with his physicality, neither Joselu or Ayoze Pérez should fill Liverpool’s centre-backs with any sort of dread. The Anfield return of cult hero and grass-accuser <span>Jonjo Shelvey</span> should, if nothing else, be good for some entertaining moments of either majesty or madness.</p>
<p id="w8jXtM">At the back, Newcastle have shown themselves capable of stinginess, boasting the 7th best defensive record in the league, and they rarely get blown out — losing by two or more goals only twice this season — but the sheer amount of possession they allow the opposition means their defense will always be under a certain level of pressure.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="z683C1">
<h5 id="unXFb5"><strong>Projected Liverpool Lineup (4-3-1-2)</strong></h5>
<p id="Yyzs1U">Alisson; Clyne, Lovren, Van Dijk, Moreno; Wijnaldum, Keïta, Milner; Shaqiri; Sturridge, Salah</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9WLJu3">
<p id="vYsDHO">As a home date with <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> and a trip to the Etihad beckons, this fixture offers Jürgen Klopp his best opportunity to rotate the squad during the holiday schedule, and it is likely that returns to the starting XI for <span>Nathaniel Clyne</span> and Alberto Moreno are on the table. <span>Dejan Lovren</span> and Virgil van Dijk remain the Reds’ only healthy centre-back options and will start again, while <span>Georginio Wijnaldum</span> could return to the single-pivot in midfield.</p>
<p id="cffnwA">Ball progression and final pass threat will be key on Wednesday, and all three of <span>James Milner</span>, Naby Keïta and <span>Xherdan Shaqiri</span> should be on the pitch to ensure it, while at least one of <span>Sadio Mane</span>, <span>Mohamed Salah</span> and <span>Roberto Firmino</span> will likely be given a rest, opening up the door for <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> to make another start.</p>
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<h5 id="Ye0nud">What the Managers Said</h5>
<p id="oA9yEW"><strong>Jürgen Klopp:</strong> “I knew the Wolverhampton game was a big challenge for us, because playing against United and winning, and before that against Napoli – big stages – and then going to Wolverhampton, not only in players’ minds but in people’s minds it could drop focus a little bit.</p>
<p id="XdPOOU">So I was really, really happy when I saw the attitude we had for that game. That’s what we need: stay angry, stay greedy, stay really in the job. That’s what we have to do against Newcastle again.”</p>
<p id="qrXLwA"><strong>Rafa Benitez:</strong> “It’s important to have the squad available, it’s important to have everybody concentrated and focused because maybe some will not play this game, but they may be needed for the next one.</p>
<p id="JqgUJZ">I have to be sure that everybody is ready because that is the key during these busy periods.”</p>
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<h5 id="789Puw">The Officials</h5>
<p id="rZVDGz"><strong>Referee:</strong> Graham Scott<br><strong>Assistant referees:</strong> Eddie Smart, Marc Perry<br><strong>Fourth official:</strong> Lee Mason</p>
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<p id="b8UBoe">Kickoff is set for 3PM GMT/10AM EST tomorrow, and television listings for the match can be found on <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/3018868/liverpool-vs-newcastle-united/">LiveSoccerTV</a>.</p>
<p id="gMrAwU">In the meantime, and as always, we’ll be keeping you updated with all the buildup to the game, including team news as it’s released, our live matchday thread, and post-match recaps from The Liverpool Offside staff. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account to have your say on the action as it happens.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2018/12/25/18155634/liverpool-newcastle-preview-epl-2018-team-news-predicted-lineups-how-to-watchAudun Manum2018-12-25T14:00:05+00:002018-12-25T14:00:05+00:00Jürgen Klopp Looks Forward to an Even Better 2019 for Liverpool Football Club
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<img alt="Liverpool v SSC Napoli - UEFA Champions League Group C" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dz5fSUkwowifFA2GqkNuLAHFQvA=/0x86:2837x1977/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62735760/1071852238.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Liverpool manager wants you to enjoy the day—while looking forward to more in the new year.</p> <p id="IsmH5r">While many <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> fans will be spending Christmas either enjoying, putting up with, or enjoying and putting up with family and friends, for the players the focus is on preparing for Wednesday’s match against <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> United.</p>
<p id="rsdtm8">That has Jürgen Klopp in a reflective mood today, with the Liverpool manager sending his Christmas wishes out to Liverpool fans around the globe and looking to the challenges that lie ahead for his team—on Boxing Day and beyond.</p>
<p id="ItufVS">“However you spend today, I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends,” Klopp began in Christmas message to supporters on the club’s <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Ffirst-team%2F331505-jurgen-klopp-s-christmas-message-to-liverpool-supporters&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2Fliverpool-fc-news-coverage%2F2018%2F12%2F25%2F18155600%2Fjurgen-klopp-christmas-message-even-better-2019-for-liverpool-football-club" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">official website</a>. “This, for me, is important and what I love about this time of year. </p>
<p id="lNxoYc">“For us as a team, today is another day in our preparations. We will train this morning at Melwood, go home to our families this afternoon and then return to the hotel tonight ready for tomorrow’s important game with Newcastle.</p>
<p id="lS08dp">“This is my fourth Christmas as manager of this incredible club and although I am not the kind of guy to look backwards, I think it is fair to say we have had an incredible ride in 2018 with some real highs and a couple of disappointments.”</p>
<p id="6FmUSE">A few disappointments, perhaps, but mainly highs. And even the biggest disappointment, losing to Real Madrid in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> final, was only possible because of the incredible, unlikely run that came before it.</p>
<p id="hHyaql">Klopp ended his message by thanking supporters for the sacrifices they make to support their club—and to support their community—but not before telling the fans he’s sure there are more good moments to come for this side.</p>
<p id="q7PALQ">“That’s what gives me the confidence and belief there is more to come from these boys in 2019, that there is more to come from this journey we are all involved in,” he said. “We can—and should—all be proud of what the team have done.</p>
<p id="TbiM00">“But this is only the beginning. There is still such a long way to go, both this season and in terms of what this group of players can achieve.”</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2018/12/25/18155600/jurgen-klopp-christmas-message-even-better-2019-for-liverpool-football-clubNoel Chomyn2018-12-25T09:00:09+00:002018-12-25T09:00:09+00:00Trent and Keïta Winning Fitness Battle for Boxing Day
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SWlCJ6uVT2ovCuZztBllSxf2rxk=/0x0:1855x1237/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62735107/1085494958.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ho, ho, ho, I bring tidings of good fitness news this holiday season.</p> <p id="w5uJir">You’ve all been good boys and girls, so I’ve gotten you a healthy fullback and attacker for this Christmas. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has missed the last two matches, looks to be on the road to recovery, and may even be available for the Boxing Day match against <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> and our old friend Rafa Benitez. </p>
<p id="kMsPAk">Meanwhile, the knocks that took Keïta off the pitch early against Wolves appear to only be minor. </p>
<p id="hCUhzr">At the pre-game press conference, Jürgen Klopp confirmed, “Trent is back in training, in full training. We will see. Nothing new [on Keïta] because it is pretty early, [but] nobody said to me so far he cannot train. I expect him back in training.”</p>
<p id="5de7Ea">While Gomez and Matip remain unavailable on Wednesday, the rest of the team has stayed healthy. Let’s hope that continues through the festive period so that <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> can maintain or even grow their lead over <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>. </p>
<p id="s0g4RB">The deluge of games ends with a title clash against Manchester City at the Etihad, so it would be nice to have a points cushion going into what’s sure to be a hard fought match.</p>
<p id="wXxSK1">It’s always all-hands-on-deck this time of year, so every available body is important, but particularly players such as Alexander-Arnold and Keïta who have been instrumental in the team’s unbeaten league run so far.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-news-coverage/2018/12/25/18155352/trent-alexander-arnold-and-keita-winning-fitness-battle-for-boxing-day-newcastleepicskyline