Ally McCoist predicts Liverpool showdown v Newcastle at Anfield
Ally McCoist has predicted a clear win in a “Carabao Cup final preview” game between Liverpool and Newcastle United.
The Reds welcome Newcastle to Anfield on Wednesday (26 February) in the Premier League, just a week and a half before the two sides face up again at Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool are sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, although Arne Slot will be banned from the touchline as a result of his sending-off after the draw against Everton.
McCoist backing Liverpool to win
Although there were some concerns over how well Slot would be able to adapt to life at Liverpool, it’s fair to say that he has done so with absolutely no qualms at all.
In his first season at Anfield, the Dutchman has his side sitting 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League with the likelihood that they will win it.
| Team | Position | Points |
| Liverpool | 1 | 64 |
| Arsenal | 2 | 53 |
| Nottingham Forest | 3 | 47 |
| Chelsea | 4 | 46 |
| Manchester City | 5 | 44 |
Furthermore, the Reds are preparing for the Carabao Cup final and still have Champions League action ahead of them too.
With only one loss from the season so far, Slot’s men must go into every game feeling confident, especially when on home turf.
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist shared his prediction, saying: “Where do you go with Newcastle?
“Liverpool have gone 28 top-flight matches without defeat in the fixture at Anfield since losing their first Premier League home meeting with Newcastle back in 94. Newcastle winless against Liverpool in 16 Premier League encounters. Have a think about that.
“Sadly Newcastle, I cannot see you stopping the machine that is Liverpool. I’m going one up. I’m going to go 4-1 Liverpool, Diaz.”
Liverpool win before Carabao Cup final would be massive
Slot is clearly a manager who demands high standards of his side and they have shown throughout the season so far that they certainly know the importance of winning games.
Furthermore, with the conversations surrounding the fixture and what it looks ahead to, the managers on both sides will surely be trying to play it down and treat it like any other game.
However, it cannot be denied that if Liverpool could come out victorious on Wednesday, it would surely give them confidence as they prepare for the cup final at Wembley.
Given Slot will not be on the touchline for this game, it does make things a bit harder for the Reds in terms of pressure.
However, as the pundits point out, Liverpool are a side who have an incredible record this term and have shown the ability to beat teams even without being at their best.