Match context and what the form tells us
Anfield will buzz on 31/01/2026 when Liverpool host Newcastle United in a Premier League Round 24 clash that carries plenty of intrigue. The Reds sit sixth in the table with 36 points from 23 games while Newcastle occupy ninth with 33 points — a tight midtable tussle on paper, but recent momentum gives Liverpool a clear psychological edge. Jurisdictional details matter: Simon Hooper is the appointed referee and the fixture follows both teams’ Champions League outings this week, with Liverpool routing Qarabağ 6-0 and Newcastle holding Paris Saint Germain to a 1-1 draw. That heavy win for Liverpool, where Virgil van Dijk earned the best-player rating, should inject confidence into their attack and crowd at Anfield, capacity 61,276.
Recent runs and statistical nudges
Liverpool arrive with a mixed but encouraging domestic record: 10 wins, 6 draws and 7 losses from 23 games, 35 goals scored and 32 conceded. Their latest string shows more wins than defeats and an attacking thunderbolt in Europe suggests the side can explode offensively on any given night. Newcastle’s campaign has been bumpy — 9 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses — yet they’ve shown resilience in recent outings, turning in draws against Paris Saint Germain and Wolves and a solid 3-0 victory over PSV. Defensive numbers hint at opportunities: Liverpool have conceded 32 across the season while Newcastle have allowed 29, suggesting both teams are capable of finding the net when chances arise.
Tactical edge and betting angles
At home Liverpool average more shots and dangerous attacks, and their recent 6-0 Champions League victory is a reminder of their firepower. Newcastle’s away numbers are less telling — fewer goals away than at home — and their patchy away btts percentage reduces the likelihood of a high-scoring upset at Anfield. The head-to-head earlier in the season (25 Aug 2025) ended 3-2 to Liverpool at St. James’ Park, demonstrating the Reds’ ability to get the job done even in tight contests.
For anyone sizing up markets, it’s worth pairing game analysis with smart reading: if you’re refining your approach to market selection, check out Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets. And for a different strategic angle on wagering lines, the primer on What does it mean the handicap market in sports betting? can be useful.
Betting suggestion Given home advantage at Anfield, Liverpool’s recent European form (a 6-0 win) and the market pricing showing Liverpool as favorites (Home 1.78, probability ~56%), the cleanest value here is a straight 1X2 play: back Liverpool to win. This selection leans on momentum, offensive potency and the bookmaker-implied edge.
