Newcastle United welcome Liverpool to St James Park this Sunday.
This fixture is always remembered for producing one of the most memorable matches in Premier League history – a 4-3 win to the Reds in 1996. Both teams were powerhouses back then, and while Liverpool have declined somewhat in recent years, their opponents Newcastle are a shadow of the side that entertained many during the 1990s.
Recent history however, does favour the Magpies. Since they were promoted back to the Premier League in 2010 after a one-year hiatus, the Geordies have won this fixture three out of five times. A revitalised Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp will fancy their chances this time around though.
Key Battle – Rob Elliot vs Daniel Sturridge
With his defence offering little support in recent weeks, Newcastle custodian Rob Elliot is likely to be a busy man on Sunday. Looking to capitalise on a poor Magpies defence will be fit-again English international Daniel Sturridge. Sturridge will be looking to make the most of this opportunity, especially given the fact that his last few seasons have been plagued by injury. If Elliot struggles to contain Sturridge, it could end very badly for the Toon.
Team News
Young defender Jamaal Lascalles has suffered a hamstring injury and will not play. He joins Cheick Tiote, Massadio Haidara, Rolando Aarons, Tim Krul, Gabriel Obertan and Steven Taylor on the sidelines. There are rumours Sylvain Marveaux could start on the left-wing, which would allow playmaker Georginio Wijnaldum to take up a position in the middle of the park.
Philipe Coutinho is in doubt to make the trip north. Also missing will be Mamadou Sakho, Jose Enrique and Danny Ings. Klopp faces a selection dilemma with skipper Jordan Henderson now cleared to start. Lucas is expected to make way which may seem harsh because the Brazilian has been superb deputising for the captain.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met on 169 occasions with the Reds dominating the head-to-head. They have won 81 of these fixtures versus Newcastle’s 48, with 40 draws.
Previous Meeting
Their most recent meeting came at the back end of last season in April where Liverpool defeated a free-falling Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield, courtesy of goals from Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen. The Magpies squad came in for a lot of criticism that night, especially Moussa Sissoko who was sent off for two bookable offences.
Prediction
While recent history does favour Newcastle, it is hard to see anything other than a Liverpool win this time. The Reds seem to be an entirely different proposition under the most likable man in football in Klopp. One gets the feeling that if Liverpool can get an early goal, the atmosphere inside St James’ Park could turn toxic and open up the floodgates in the Reds’ favour. Expect a comfortable win for the visitors.
Newcastle United 0 Liverpool 3
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
