Kickoff is nearing in Liverpool’s penultimate match of the Premier League season. With a single point separating the Reds from reigning champions Manchester City, every point counts, and those points need to come in threes. Liverpool will have to prove they aren’t totally deflated from their 3-0 loss against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, a result that didn’t seem to do their play justice. For today, Klopp’s men must forget about that loss and focus solely on their clash with Newcastle. Otherwise, it’s all over.
Newcastle vs Liverpool
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 2:45 PM ET
Where: St James’ Park, Newcastle, England
TV Channel: NBCSN
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
It’s refreshing for fans to finally have a Premier League title race worth watching, but simultaneous domestic and continental success oftentimes adds more pain than glory. Players get worn down physically and mentally, which was on display against Barcelona. Make no mistake – Barcelona is the world’s best team right now, and sport the world’s best player. They haven’t lost a Champions League match at the Camp Nou for six years running, an astonishing feat. But Liverpool lost their focus in a just a few key moments, costing them a goal or two and turning the tide in Barca’s favor.
Klopp is now faced with a tough decision: focus on the league and play the stars, or hedge his bets and give key players rest against Newcastle. While the Toon haven’t had the best season – they are currently 11-9-16 and sit 13th in the table – they’re capable of pulling off upsets. In fact, Man City’s last lost in the Premier League came against Newcastle. Rafa Benitez has his men well-drilled and has told the press they have no plans to roll over for the title-chasers. Salah and Mane will likely carry the burden up top once again with Roberto Firmino still lacking full fitness.
It’s a short and trying road ahead for Liverpool, but to have a shot at a trophy, they need to put their best out there.
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