Sunday’s solitary Premier League showcase matches up two sides with conflicting form. Newcastle were sucked into the relegation zone following two heavy defeats at the hands of Leicester and Crystal Palace, while Liverpool have thrashed Southampton (Capital One Cup) and Manchester City (league) during the last fortnight.
The Magpies rank second for goals conceded (eight) and top for shots inside the box conceded (42) over the last four Gameweeks. Allied to that, no side has allowed more shots inside the box (69) in their home fixtures, underlining Newcastle’s ongoing travails at the back. Those Fantasy managers who’ve recruited from Liverpool’s defence will be encouraged that the Tyneside’s have notched a pitiful three big chances and nine shots on target over the last four Gameweeks.
The Reds’ attacking quartet flourished in the last four Gameweeks, tallying the second-most attempts (62) and most shots inside the box (44). Moreover, only Bournemouth (55) fashioned more key passes (55) during that period. The Merseysiders’ rearguard held up their end of the deal, too, restricting their adversaries to the joint-fewest shots inside the box (19).
