The opening match of the Premier League in 2024 will feature Liverpool facing off against Newcastle United at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
Liverpool has taken a lead in the Premier League after their 2-0 victory at Burnley and they stayed ahead even after Arsenal’s surprising 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham a few days later.
Yet, with Arsenal playing on New Year’s Eve, Jurgen Klopp’s team might find themselves in second place by the time they play their first home game of 2024.
Regardless, Liverpool aims to continue their success by handing Newcastle United their third consecutive loss.
Newcastle’s recent performance has significantly declined, with Eddie Howe’s team losing to both Luton and Nottingham Forest around Christmas.
These losses have dropped the Toon Army to ninth in the standings, and they face a significant challenge trying to turn things around during their trip to Merseyside.
In terms of outright betting, despite drawing their last two Premier League games at home, Liverpool is the clear favourite for their next match at Anfield, with odds of 9/20 (Bet 365).
Newcastle, having only secured five points from 27 in their away games this season, are not favoured by the bookmakers, with their victory odds at 11/2.
Schär, the Swiss defender, often finds himself in the referee’s book and is expected to have a busy night at Anfield on New Year’s.
He averages 0.9 fouls per game this season and has conceded a free-kick in five of Newcastle’s last seven Premier League games.
Given that Schär has been cautioned in 11 of his 19 appearances this season, including five away games.
