by Renee Israel
I simply don't understand the odds being offered on Sunday for the televised
clash at St James's Park and Liverpool must be opposed at the prices.
While Kenny Dalglish and his players remain on course for a domestic double,
having already bagged the Carling Cup, Liverpool's Premier League form in 2012
has been woeful and quite how they are favourites against Newcastle I have no
idea.
Since the turn of the year Dalglish has master minded victories against only
Wolves, the English top flight's worst side, and a weakened Everton.
It is a remarkable seven losses in their previous 11 matches and Liverpool
are currently eight points adrift of the side in sixth, Sunday's opponents
Newcastle.
Their Wembley penalty shootout win over Cardiff bought some relief to Reds
fans but Dalglish is way out of touch and simply doesn't have the players
required to be competitive in the upper echelons of the Premier League.
With a total of £75m spent on the miss-firing trio of Andy Carroll, Stewart
Downing and Jordan Henderson over the previous 15 months, it's no wonder the
Anfield club are struggling to make an impact and another season without
Champions League football will seriously undermine their appeal when trying to
recruit big-name stars.
A win on Sunday in the north-east is required if they are to seriously
harbour top-six ambitions during the run-in but Newcastle have maintained their
form throughout the campaign very well indeed under manager Alan Pardew and ran
out easy 3-1 winners against in-form West Brom last time out.
With eight wins and just two defeats to date from their 15 Premier League
matches on home soil, Newcastle deserve to be favourites in front of their own
fans and a win would keep them very much in with a chance of securing a top-four
spot.
It won't be easy but the Magpies are nearer Champions League qualification,
just five points adrift of Tottenham, than they are to Liverpool immediately
below them and are unbeaten in seven matches at St James's park, winning five of
those.
At odds against in the draw no bet market, Newcastle are a cracking betting
proposition and a hefty wager is advised.
It's likely to be tight, but an away win would surprise and the bet is an
extremely confident one.
4pts Back Newcastle (Draw No Bet, vs. Liverpool) @ 6/5 (Bet
365)
