Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen is expecting his former club to secure the win when they take on Newcastle at St James’ Park this evening.

The home side are experiencing a difficult run of form at the moment, having last won against Crystal Palace over a month ago, and Owen feels their recent displays suggest that the Reds will come away with the three points:

“Newcastle are enduring a poor run of form. They exited the EFL Cup to Championship side Brentford midweek and now have the huge task of welcoming Liverpool to St James’ Park. The visitors have hit form just at the right time of year, and with Jurgen Klopp’s side clearly loving their football, I can see them picking up another vital 3 points on the road.”

Owen has gone with a 2-1 victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side, which is a surprisingly narrow win, considering how poorly the Magpies have been playing in recent weeks. However, it is perhaps wise to take into account Liverpool’s average away record this season.

They did play superbly in the 7-0 thrashing of Palace last week but their performances away from Anfield have been pretty unconvincing in the league this season, with four draws and that heavy 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa.

Whether Newcastle will put up a strong fight, like some of the Reds’ other opponents have done, it is up for debate, especially considering their poor results so far over the festive period.