'I don't see it': Chris Sutton has predicted who will win on New Year's Day - Liverpool or Newcastle

Newcastle United couldn't have asked for a worse start to 2024 than facing Liverpool on New Year's Day.

In an 8pm kick-off Newcastle travel to Anfield for their first Premier League fixture of the New Year and honestly, if we were asked which opponent we'd least like to face to boot off the year, it's Liverpool.

Newcastle just can't seem to beat them. Granted, The Reds get a lot of help from the officials when we meet for whatever reason, but it's still a curse we'd love to shake off.

Newcastle will need a New Year's miracle

With Newcastle's current terrible form and Liverpool firmly in the title race, there won't be many people backing the Magpies on this one.

Catherine Ivill via Getty Images

Case in point is BBC pundit Chris Sutton who has given Newcastle a snowball in Hell's chance with his prediction.

Alongside Paul Merson's prediction and our own feelings on this fixture, it's not looking good, but Sutton has gone big with his shout.

Mo Salah is going to be a danger

"With one win in four Premier League games, this has turned into an even bigger match for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, whose side have struggled on the road all season.

"Newcastle need to keep faith with Howe, but after this game they face north-east rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup and then host Manchester City, so they have to find a win from somewhere.

"I don't see it happening at Anfield, though. A lot of people are banging on about Arsenal challenging City for the title, but Liverpool are the team who will push them closest.

"Liverpool will miss Mohamed Salah when he goes away with Egypt to the Africa Cup of Nations in mid-January, but they have enough firepower to win without him - and he will be around to play in this one.

"Sutton's prediction: 3-1"

Hardly inspiring, is it? Unfortunately, we find it hard to disagree. Hopefully, it'll not be as big of a win as Sutton predicted, but honestly, we just can't seem to find any confidence going into this one.

Prepare for the worst and you can't be disappointed. Although, if we do get beat, I'm sure we'll still bitch about it.