Newcastle away for Klopp’s hated early break is a possible banana skin for Liverpool despite the Reds’ rampant form

LIVERPOOL’S trip to Newcastle has all the hallmarks of a potential banana peel.

Yes, the Reds have been unbeaten in the Premier League since December 28.

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Yes, they have won 12 and drawn two in that time.

And yes, they have only conceded six goals in that time.

But if Jurgen Klopp could pick a game this weekend, it could be pretty far down.

The German has repeatedly made it unmistakably clear how much he hates it 12.30 p.m. Kick-off Saturday noon at BT Sport after Wednesday night’s Champions League action.

Lest we forget, West Ham and Leicester have been doing essentially the same thing all season, with their Sunday 2pm games after Thursday’s European competition.

And although the 2-0 win over Villarreal was at Anfield, the physical and emotional toll of kick-off in this semi-final 64 hours earlier cannot be underestimated.

Add to the mixture Newcastles Form, especially at home, and these will not be an easy three points in Liverpool’s quest to overtake Manchester City and win the title.

Eddie Howe’s men have won four straight gamesjust one and her last six in the cauldron that is St James’ Park to put her in ninth place.

Saturday’s victory would be the first time the Toon have won five straight Premier League home games since November 2014 under Alan Pardew, including a 1-0 win Liverpool.

And they come into this game fresh and without a game since last Saturday, plus Bruno Guimaraes in red-hot form.

The Brazilian has been involved in four goals in his last three Premier League games, scoring three and assisting one.

Although he only made his debut for the club in February, only Allan Saint-Maximin (five) and Callum Wilson (six) can top Guimaraes’ tally of four league goals this season.

But if Liverpool City want to overtake they know they have to be clean from here by May 22nd.

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They depend on Pep Guardiola’s side dropping points along the way – and clop will try desperately to take full advantage.

A win at St James would see the Etihad side start their evening clash in Leeds, two points and at least five goals behind their rivals. Being first is certainly a big boost.

Liverpool have only lost twice this season despite both coming away from home – surprisingly 3-2 at West Ham and 1-0 at Leicester.

However, they have a good record against Newcastle, unbeaten in the last ten against the Magpies, including four away and one 3-1 comeback win at Anfield in December.

Klopp, fresh out Signs a new contract on Thursdayhas many decisions to make – his side face Villarreal in the second leg in Spain on Tuesday.

That 2-0 advantage, coupled with fighting on three fronts and knowing he can’t even afford a tie, means the boss can bring Joel MatipFrom the start, Naby Keita and Diogo Jota help spin the pitch a bit without disrupting the flow of a rampant Reds winning formula.

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