Pope has the 3rd-best save percentage in the league (73.6), only behind Robin Roefs and Emiliano Martinez, and is averaging 3.10 saves per 90.

He made six saves at PSG, but in terms of Premier League action, against the current top 6, his save numbers read: 6-3-5-1-3. An average of 3.60 per game against those stronger opponents.

Liverpool are averaging 4.3 shots on target per game for the season. That goes up to 5.18 for home league games.

Newcastle average 4.9 shots on target conceded per game against the current top 6 this season.

Newcastle had a day less to recover for Champions League action this midweek, and they had to travel to Paris and have just 33% of the ball. Liverpool stayed at home and were 2-0 up and cruising after 20 minutes. The Reds should be the side in the ascendancy.

Averages 2.14 shots per 90 in the league this season - covering the line. His shots average in 2026 has increased slightly.

He's been subbed off in six of those eight 2026 appearances; those six subs have chipped in with five shots after he's gone off. Coming off for Anthony Elanga twice, Nick Woltemade, Jacob Murphy, and Harvey Barnes once each.

Liverpool will likely have a makeshift right-back after Jeremie Frimpong came off after four minutes against Qarabag.

One could argue that Gordon will be even more effective with Newcastle expected to have less of the ball than if he were up against a side where there was no space for him to run in behind.

Around a third of the Englishman's shots this season have come from outside the box, so he's a threat from a range of positions, registering a shot on target from outside the box against PSG on Wednesday.

His spot in the England squad for the World Cup is not yet secured, and standing up in a big game like this would help that cause.

After a slow start to Liverpool, Florian Wirtz is starting to find his feet at Anfield.

The German international has scored in five of his last nine games across all competitions, so he is a player whose confidence should be up.

This is reflected by the fact that he’s had at least two shots in nine of his last ten appearances across all competitions, with the exception coming against Arsenal and their rock-solid defence.

He was notably taken off after 66 minutes in midweek, which would point to the fact that he is liable to be given a significant role here.

With Liverpool’s weakness at right-back, there’s also the chance that Szoboszlai plays in a deeper position, and he is given additional attacking responsibility.

Szoboszlai is liable to be up against Newcastle’s foul-winning machines in the centre of the park.

Bruno Guimaraes ranks 3rd in the Premier League in terms of fouls won with 46, which works out at 2.25 per 90 minutes.

With Sandro Tonali (25th in fouls won in the Premier League with 28) and Joelinton, Newcastle’s starting three post 4.63 fouls won per 90.

Szoboszlai has an outside chance of playing right-back, where he’d be up against Anthony Gordon, who wins 1.92 fouls per 90 minutes.

He gave up two fouls when the sides met in August, and in three games last season, he committed six fouls against the Toon.

Crucially, he also plays 90 minutes in virtually every Premier League match.

Dominik Szoboszlai is another player who comes into this clash in excellent form and is one to keep an eye on. Liverpool were left frustrated against Bournemouth last weekend, but Szoboszlai more than played his part. He contributed to both goals - first providing the assist for Virgil van Dijk to score from a corner, before then finding the back of the net himself from a free-kick.

The Hungarian international registered an assist against Qarabag midweek, while he also bagged a wonderful free-kick goal in the Champions League against Marseille before that. Szoboszlai now has eight goals and seven assists to his name after 32 appearances this season, despite featuring at fullback for several games.

Wataru Endo deputised efficiently at right back against Qarabag after Jeremie Frimpong picked up an early injury. There is a strong chance Szoboszlai retains his spot in midfield, which would be ideal for this selection.

When playing away this season, Newcastle have usually opted for a deep block, aiming to play on the counter. That approach paid dividends in the EFL Cup final against Liverpool last season, as Newcastle won 2-1 despite only having 34% possession. They have the tools to cause problems on the break and should be able to cause Liverpool problems, given how the Reds have struggled in transition at times this campaign.

Harvey Barnes in particular comes into this clash in excellent form. The Englishman has scored five goals in his last seven starts, including a brace against Bournemouth and Leeds, respectively. With 12 goals under his belt from 34 appearances across all competitions this season,

Barnes has been in exceptional form of late and looks set to cause Liverpool problems. He featured as a substitute midweek against PSG, but still managed to land this selection. The 28-year-old had another guilt-edged chance to win the game for his side late on, but could only strike the woodwork.

Liverpool prevailed in the reverse fixture against Newcastle, as Rio Ngumoha scored the winning goal deep into stoppage time. After going 2-0 down after 46 minutes, the Magpies almost pulled off a miraculous comeback despite having ten men, but were narrowly beaten. Anthony Gordon was the player sent off in that one, for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk in the first half.

That match had a real rivalry feeling, especially after the Alexander Isak saga over the summer. It was a feisty affair at St James’ Park, with five yellows and a red dished out by Simon Hooper. Once again, cards are a target here, with a specific focus on Gordon.

The former Everton man has only picked up four bookings from 30 appearances this season, but he tends to take things up a gear against Liverpool. He is averaging 1.76 fouls per 90 from his six appearances against the Reds as a Newcastle player.