By @paul__baker
Saturday 1st of November
Kick off: 12:45
Live on BT Sport
True to form, Liverpool visit St James Park on Saturday, just when the Magpies seem to have turned around their season. A few weeks ago Manager Alan Pardew looked certain to be joining the queue at his local Job Centre Plus after nearly four years in charge. His side however have recorded back to back Premier League wins and also knocked out the holders of the Capital One Cup this week.
Newcastle will go into the match, full of optimism and seeking another three points to continue their journey up the League table.
After a late win in midweek, Liverpool will be keen to pick up three points and attempt to win in style, to set them up forTuesday’s game against Madrid.
For Newcastle, Cheick Tiote will miss the match with his calf. The Ivory Coast player has failed to recover in time. Papiss Cisse is a doubt. The striker is suffering discomfort from his fractured kneecap. Ayoze Perez is in line to keep his starting place if Cisse misses out. Newcastle will check on central defender Williamson before naming the starting 11.
The Reds are currently nine points off the title race, but the results lately have
shown that all teams this season are going to drop points. This makes every seemingly winnable game, even more important. With the Club yet to play Chelsea, the gap could even be as close as three points. The time for the side to rediscover last seasons form is now! Before the other sides also looking for a top four finish, go on a run, pick up points and pull ahead of the Reds.
After weeks and weeks of criticism towards Italian Striker Mario Balotelli, his late goal in the week, will hopefully give him the belief in himself that the goals with start to flow. Maybe Rogers will again use him as a super sub? That may be his ideal role, at least until Daniel returns to action.
Raheem Sterling will return to the Reds line up after being rested in the Cup match. His pace will cause the Newcastle defence no end of problems. Add Phil Coutinho in the mix, who turned in a super performance against Swansea and Liverpool should be able to create plenty of chances. If Super Mario plays and gets in the box enough, he may pick up his first Premier League goal!
With Sturridge still missing with his calf issue, Fabio Borini will be asking the Manager for a starting berth after his impressive performance against Swansea. Borini looked well up for it against the Swans and at one point was encouraging the supporters to increase the noise even more! His passion for the Club is refreshing to see in the modern game! Some players would be more then happy to sit on the bench and pick up a huge pay packet every week! His long term future may still yet be away from Anfield, but while he is here, he should receive the full backing of the supporters.
Poor Ricky Lambert may be back on the bench. He is giving 100% for his boyhood Club, but for whatever reason, it’s not quite happening yet for him!
The Reds are still without defenders Sakho (Thigh) Flanagan and Enrique (both knee) The rest of the squad are fit and ready to play.
In the highest scoring Premier League fixture ever, if Liverpool get ahead and score first, they need to be aware that Newcastle have come from behind in four of their last seven games. Concentration will be the key word!
Match Stats: (Source Opta)
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Newcastle (W2, D2).
There has never been a goalless draw between these sides in their 40 Premier League clashes. The last time a meeting ended 0-0 was in February 1974.
Newcastle have had five players sent off in their last four league games against Liverpool.