Who would have thought before the start of the Premier League, after more than half of the championship, Newcastle would be fourth and Liverpool only ninth? The Magpies are excellent, playing above expectations, while the Anfield team is in desperate form. The derby of round 24 on the Island will be played today at St James’ Park.Victory in Monday’s Merseyside derby over Everton (2-0) could be a spark of hope that the Reds can at least reach the Champions League. However, it will not be easy for the former champion of England and Europe to win points in the north of the country – the Magpies are the only ones who have not been defeated in this championship in front of their fans. In 11 games – six wins and five draws.The black and whites have nine points more than Liverpool, so this is the last chance for the guests to join the fight for placement in the elite European competition. The thoughts of the team from Anfield will also be directed towards Tuesday, when the European champion Real Madrid arrive in the first match of the round of 16 of the Champions League.Magpies stepping on the toes of league’s giants? Fine by HoweEddie Howe cannot count on the suspended Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes and the injured defender, Sweden’s Emil Krafth. Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock and Callum Wilson are still recovering but should be in contention for the starting eleven.Klopp is still missing Arthur, Luis Diaz, Calvin Ramsey, Thiago Alcantara and Ibrahima Konate. The good news is that for the first time this month we will be watching Virgil van Dijk on the pitch. The Dutchman was on the bench against Everton but is now expected to be in the starting line-up. Diego Jota and Roberto Firmino return to the competition for the team.Newcastle have been faltering of late. They have tied three draws with teams from the bottom of the table (Bournemouth, West Ham and Crystal Palace). Howe’s team conceded by far the fewest goals, just 13, while the next best defence, Arsenal’s, conceded 21 times. In the first part of the championship, Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-1 at home. The black and whites have not beaten a team from Anfield in the Premier League for more than seven years, since December 6, 2015 to be exact. In 12 previous duels, eight wins for the Reds, with four draws.Chelsea are without a win in four matches, with only one goal scored in 360 minutes. It’s not going well for the Blues under Graham Potter, and today (18.00) the bottom-sitting Southampton arrive at Stamford Bridge. More than 600 million euros have been invested in the last two transfer periods, but the team from London will have a hard time reaching the Champions League, even the placement in the international competition is not certain. Four days ago there was a defeat in Dortmund (0-1) in the first match of the round of 16 of the Champions League.Potter on Mount’s extention: It’s best I leave it between Mason and the clubManchester City should have no problem in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees. Pep Guardiola’s team tied two 3-1 triumphs against Aston Villa and Arsenal. Norway’s Erling Haaland has been ‘slowing down’ lately, scoring just once in the last four games, so it’s time to fire up the Scandinavian goal-machine.Pep on his derby heroes: Kevin and Jack can do more, they can do betterENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUESaturday15.30: (4.50) Aston Villa (3.60) Arsenal (1.94)18.00: (1.96) Brentford (3.40) Crystal Palace (4.20)18.00: (1.79) Brighton (3.70) Fulham (5.40)18.00: (1.43) Chelsea (4.50) Southampton (8.50)18.00: (2.55) Everton (3.30) Leeds (3.10)18.00: (9.00) Nott.Forest (5.20) Man.City (1.36)18.00: (1.73) Wolverhampton (3.70) Bournemouth (5.90)20.30: (2.65) Newcastle (3.35) Liverpool (2.70)Sunday17.00: (1.68) Man.Utd. (3.80) Leicester (5.50)19.30: (1.89) Tottenham (3.70) West Ham (4.60)***odds are subject to change
