Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday evening, facing off with Newcastle United at 8pm.
The Reds head into the meeting once again looking to avoid a repeat of last week’s disaster.
Liverpool were excellent in Europe against Marseille, but what followed was a lacklustre showing in the Premier League, which ended 3-2 to an out-of-form Bournemouth.
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This time around, the Merseyside outfit hammered Qarabag 6-0 and are now aiming to finally pick up a first league victory in 2026.
Should they fail to do so, Arne Slot’s side could fall even further away from the Champions League places.
Are you confident Liverpool will beat Newcastle United this weekend?
Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool v Barnsley - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
We are yet to win a Premier League game in 2026…
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Hugo Ekitike responds to potential Newcastle United fan backlash
If they are to beat the Magpies, it is likely Hugo Ekitike will have an important role to play.
The Frenchman has 13 goals and four assists to his name this term, sitting as Liverpool’s top goalscorer.
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However, had things gone differently in the summer, the 23-year-old may have been lining up for Howe’s side this weekend.
Newcastle were linked with a move for Ekitike in the previous transfer window, amid Liverpool trying to get a deal for Alexander Isak done.
Now, in an interview with HaytersTV, the striker was asked: “You might get a bit of stick from their fans at the weekend?” [because he nearly signed].
But Ekitike made his feelings on that potentially happening very clear, he responded: “I don’t care. I play for Liverpool, I have my fans here. We played there already, we won, so hopefully we have a great week. I don’t care about this.”
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Wataru Endo pictured while playing for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse).
Curtis Jones in action for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Credit: Getty Images/Photo Agency).
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their FA Cup match against Barnsley at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse/Photo Agency/Liverpool FC
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What Alan Shearer thinks of Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle have had a mixed season so far, but they are still just three points behind Liverpool with the same goal difference.
Had Ekitike moved to St James’ Park instead, perhaps the North East outfit would have been above the Reds right now.
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer gave his verdict on Ekitike after he decided to sign for Liverpool this summer when his club were interested.
He said: “I think he’s got the intelligence to drop off like he did for his goal, it was a lovely run to get the ball short, then find the space in the middle and go in behind. And linking up with Gakpo as well, he played a large part in that with his hold-up play and the turn and the pass. It’s a very, very promising start from him.”
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