When is a successful 16/1 first scorer bet not a successful 16/1 first scorer bet?
When those dreadful kill joys from the Dubious Goals Panel rule that a ball brushing off Chris Wood's back constitutes an own goal and not a Trent Alexander-Arnold strike.
But, to misquote a Liverpool legend, he goes again. And after that hard luck story at Burnley Paul Gorst will try to bring us a Liverpool v Newcastle tip which sticks this time.
Win, lose or draw?
With an unbeaten Premier League home record stretching past the 40-game mark earlier this season, you would be hard pushed to argue for a defeat for Jurgen Klopp's European champions on Saturday afternoon. The Reds ran out 4-0 winners in this fixture on Boxing Day and I expect the home side to triumph once more. Of course 1/6 won't win you the price of a pint, so let's look elsewhere.
Who’s a good bet for first scorer?
Sadio Mane? Mo Salah? Roberto Firmino? Take your pick.
I expect Mane and Salah to start having both had some time off during the international break, but I think it could be watching brief for Brazil star Firmino. That's why I think Divock Origi could be a decent bet for first goalscorer.
The Belgian started the first game of the season against Norwich and had a huge hand in the opener before nodding in one of his own.
He's a solid 15/4 to score the first goal with thepools.com and 19/20 to score any time .
Who’s on the naughty step?
Joelinton has already picked up a couple of bookings this season. Only Luka Milivojevic and Jorginho have been shown more yellow cards so far. If the Brazil striker gets no joy out of Virgil van Dijk, will his frustrations boil over? Thepools.com put their over/under market at 2.5 bookings . Overs could be worthwhile at 10/11, with Andre Marriner - two, three and four yellows in his three Premier League games so far - the man in the middle.
Who’s on pens?
That'll be Mo Salah. His laser-guided effort against Arsenal will be one of the best spot-kicks you'll see this season. Which will be why he's 13/5 first scorer and 8/13 any time .
Will Liverpool keep a clean sheet?
It is likely. Newcastle will probably defend in numbers and get men behind the ball. Their 1-0 win at Tottenham was an excellent result recently that was built on sterling defensive work after Joelinton's well-taken winner. If the Reds can restrict Newcastle counters then they might secure back-to-back clean sheets. Both Teams To Score 'No' is 6/10. Or Liverpool only to score is 7/10.
