Georginio Wijnaldum bags a goal and assist as Newcastle grab a much-needed win at home to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp makes six changes for the second successive outing as the Reds struggle to impress at St James’ Park.

Wijnaldum Steers Magpies to Vital Victory

Having recorded heavy defeats in the previous two Gameweeks, Newcastle United broke that pattern with a determined 2-0 win over Liverpool. Georginio Wijnaldum earned the assist for the Magpies’ opener when his shot deflected in off Martin Skrtel, before chipping Simon Mignolet in the dying embers to double the hosts’ advantage. Moussa Sissoko teed up the Dutchman at the last to bag his fifth assist of the campaign.

Courtesy of seven goals – all of which have been scored on home turf – and three assists, Wijnaldum currently ranks third among all midfielders for total score (84). The Netherlands international – who’s contributed to ten of Newcastle’s 16 strikes – is certainly a viable differential at the 6.9 mark, but prospective investors will be looking for the Tynesiders to display more attacking consistency, given that they tallied two goals in five outings prior to this Gameweek. Regardless, Wijnaldum’s penchant for netting at home is bound to attract attention from Gameweek 17 when Steve McClaren’s men embark on a run of four matches in six (AVL, EVE, wba, ars, MUN, WHU) at St James’ Park.

Despite shipping eight goals across their last three matches, Steve McClaren’s troops now boast three clean sheets in five outings. As such, Rob Elliot (4.0) represents a decent option for those managers who are looking to cut costs at the back ahead of those clashes with Villa and West Brom.

Klopp Momentum Curtailed at St James’

The Reds fell to their first defeat in five road ties, managing just one shot on target throughout the encounter. Philippe Coutinho missed out with a hamstring strain and was conspicuous by his absence, with Liverpool struggling to carve out clear-cut shooting opportunities – as evidenced by the fact they were one of just three teams (the others being Norwich City and Manchester City) that failed to register a single big chance in Gameweek 15. Having played in midweek, Daniel Sturridge was only deemed fit enough for a cameo role just beyond the hour mark, as Jurgen Klopp made six changes from the side that won 6-1 at Southampton.

Alberto Moreno’s 5% ownership were left disgruntled when his equaliser was wrongly adjudged to be offside. Nonetheless, the Spaniard’s impressive foray forward did serve to highlight his rich potential for attacking returns. On that note, no defender has amassed more key passes (25) than Moreno this term, which bodes well for Sturridge’s full return to the starting XI. As for Liverpool’s clean-sheet prospects in near future, their next five fixtures (WBA, wat, LEI, sun, whu) could be fruitful in that respect.