Liverpool v Newcastle - Preview and possible line-ups
On Saturday, Anfield will play host to the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Newcastle. We take a look ahead to the fixture.
Liverpool:
The home side are in fearsome form. With the attacking trident of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane running rampant against all levels of opposition, Jurgen Klopp's men have lost just once in their last 19 games in all competitions. Expect Liverpool to go all guns blazing in their pursuit for second place.
Giorgio Wijnaldum is unlikely to confront his old teammates as he battles with illness. Nathaniel Clyne is also absent with a back injury.
Newcastle:
Rafa Benitez faces his old club against whom he has a formidable record - the Spaniard is unbeaten in five meetings with the Reds. Some will say that it will take a miracle for Newcastle to leave Anfield with three points on Saturday, but when you're in a relegation fight, luck can strike at anytime.
The Toon Army will miss their midfield Maestro Jonjo Shelvey (knee) in this tie. Jesus Gámez (ankle) and Islam Slimani (thigh) are also sidelined.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp:
Referring to this fixture last year when Newcastle came back to draw from 2-0 down, the German said: "I like Rafa Benitez as a person but we've given enough presents to him!"
Newcasle manager Rafa Benitez:
"The relationship [with Liverpool], the connection, is so obvious. We just have to make sure we do our best in this game and then afterwards wish them all the best."
Did you know?
Strap in because it's going to be a fiesty tie - In their last four visits to Anfield, the Magpies have seen red four times.
Possible line-ups:
Liverpool: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Can, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Mane, Salah, Firmino.
Newcastle: Dubravka; Dummett, Lascelles, Lejeune, Yedlin; Kenedy, Merino, Diame, Ritche; Perez, Gayle.
Last time round:
A 1-1 draw at St. James' Park was two points dropped rather than a point gained for Liverpool.