This is the season opener (Round 1, 0 season stats available), so pre-season form is the primary guide. Liverpool's recent form sample shows a higher scoring rate (1.67 goals per game) versus Newcastle's leaky recent record (conceding 2.0 per game on average). Liverpool's squad quality and depth — they are reigning champions and a perennial top-two side — gives them a meaningful edge over a Newcastle side that has lost Joelinton and Livramento to injury heading into the opener.