Howe lauds Slot's impact at Liverpool but insists title race not over

Eddie Howe lauded the impact of Arne Slot with Premier League leaders Liverpool, though insists the title race is far from over ahead of Newcastle United's meeting on Wednesday.

Liverpool are nine points clear at the summit heading into the midweek action, having dispatched Manchester City with a 2-0 win at Anfield on Sunday.

That opened up an 11-point gap between the Reds and Pep Guardiola's defending champions, yet Howe believes the title battle is far from over in December.

"No, I think nothing is ever secure or done until it's done," said Howe. "The Premier League is known for twists and turns, so who knows what's going to happen.

"I think they're a team at the moment playing with full confidence, they've still got the hallmark of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

"But Arne has now had his time with the team and tweaked certain things, that makes them a very difficult proposition because they've added new strengths."

Newcastle were defeated 2-0 at home by West Ham before a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last Saturday.

Slot believes travelling to Newcastle will pose a tougher test than facing Real Madrid, however, having defeated Los Blancos last week in the Champions League.

"We know we have a difficult week coming up again," Slot said.

"We thought Madrid and City were very difficult teams to face, which they actually were as well. I think it’s even harder going away to Newcastle.

"We're not even halfway through the season yet."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Newcastle United – Alexander Isak

Fitness permitting if Alexander Isak can shake off a knock suffered at Palace, the Sweden striker will be key to any home hopes here.

The Newcastle forward has 21 goals in 30 home Premier League appearances, although he has only scored twice from 18 attempts at St James' Park this season.

Liverpool – Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah stole the show once more against City, scoring from the penalty spot and assisting Cody Gakpo's opener.

The Liverpool star has also been involved in 14 Premier League goals against Newcastle (eight goals, six assists), with these coming in his last 13 appearances against them.

MATCH PREDICTION – LIVERPOOL WIN

Liverpool are firm favourites for this one considering they have won each of their last six meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League.

The Magpies are winless in the last 15 top-flight meetings overall (D4 L11), while Liverpool have won five of their last six league visits to St. James' Park.

Indeed, the Reds' three-match winning streak on the road against Newcastle is their longest such streak against Wednesday's hosts in the competition.

Expect drama, too, given Liverpool have won 11 Premier League games in which they have trailed against Newcastle, the most comeback wins one side has against another in the competition's history.

To make matters worse for the hosts, they have won just one of their last 26 Premier League meetings against sides starting the day top of the table (D7 L18), a feat which could continue here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Newcastle United win – 26.2%