Liverpool are coming off a huge win in the Merseyside derby – an emotional derby. That was a third victory in a row at Anfield. With this in mind, it is not surprising that the bookmakers make the reds such favourites against Newcastle, a team who are battling to stay in the division.
However, I am looking at this slightly differently for three reasons: A) Newcastle are desperate, B) it’s the Rafa Benitez factor, and C) the visitors come here with boosted morale after a win last Saturday and then a well earned draw against Manchester City in their last game.
On the top of that Liverpool have a huge Europa League semi-final against Villarreal on Thursday to think about. All things considered it makes sense to differ from the norm and back Newcastle to win with +1 goal handicap at 2.30 with William Hill.