Howe could boldly bench Murphy & unleash Newcastle’s own Salah in “razor-sharp” talent
Newcastle United prepare for a crucial clash with Liverpool, aiming to disrupt their dominant Premier League run both in this encounter and in the upcoming Carabao Cup final.
Despite their inconsistent form, evidenced by a dramatic 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe’s side possesses the attacking firepower to trouble the league leaders.
Liverpool’s relentless form makes them favorites, but Newcastle’s ability to exploit defensive weaknesses could see them cause an upset, especially after their hard-fought draw at St. James’ Park in December.
Injuries remain a concern for Howe, but there is optimism within the squad. Joelinton remains out with a knee injury but is expected to recover in time for the Wembley showdown.
Sven Botman continues his road to full fitness, though this fixture might come too soon for him. Joe Willock, who was withdrawn against Forest due to a hamstring concern, remains in contention for selection.
Fortunately for Newcastle, their attacking unit is fully fit, which is crucial as they prepare to face a Liverpool side led by the unstoppable Mohamed Salah.
Salah has been a dominant force this season, contributing 30 goals and 21 assists in all competitions. His ability to both score and create makes him Liverpool’s primary attacking weapon, and Newcastle’s defense will need to be at its best to contain him.
However, Howe must look to counter Liverpool’s firepower with attacking aggression of his own. Alexander Isak has been Newcastle’s standout forward, and with the right support, he can lead the charge against a formidable opponent.
Premier League 2024/25 – Top Scorers
| Rank | Player | Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohamed Salah | 27 (27) | 25 | 16 |
| 2 | Alexander Isak | 24 (24) | 19 | 5 |
| 3 | Erling Haaland | 25 (25) | 19 | 3 |
| 4 | Chris Wood | 26 (25) | 18 | 3 |
| 5 | Bryan Mbeumo | 26 (26) | 15 | 4 |
Stats via Premier League
To match Liverpool’s attacking intensity, Howe may consider giving Harvey Barnes a rare Premier League start. The winger has seen limited action from the outset, last starting in December’s 4-2 loss to Brentford, where he still managed to find the net.
His clinical edge could prove valuable, as his goal-scoring instincts rank among the best wingers in Europe. According to FBref, Barnes ranks in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals (0.57 per 90 minutes) and the top 9% for touches in the attacking penalty area (6.90 per 90).
Interestingly, statistical comparisons have drawn similarities between Barnes and Salah. His ability to cut inside and unleash powerful strikes makes him a dangerous asset.
Pundit Matthew Upson has even highlighted Barnes’ “razor-sharp” finishing ability. Deploying him on the left while shifting Anthony Gordon to the right could provide a dynamic attacking setup. Gordon’s pace and versatility make him an effective alternative to Jacob Murphy, who, despite his work rate, struggled in Newcastle’s previous meeting with Liverpool.
Murphy’s December performance against Liverpool saw him withdrawn after 74 minutes, completing just seven passes, missing a key scoring opportunity, and losing all three ground duels.
Against a defense led by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, Newcastle must be clinical. Barnes’ recent record on the road adds to his case for inclusion, as five of his last six Newcastle goals have come away from home. His ability to exploit defensive gaps could be key to disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm.
Howe’s side faces a tough challenge, but they have the tools to trouble Liverpool. By making bold attacking adjustments and capitalizing on their strengths, Newcastle can approach this fixture with confidence.