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Newcastle United host Liverpool in what is shaping up as a critical fixture for two teams on the upward curve. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11:45pm (AEDT).
After a terrible start to the season, Newcastle have accumulated seven of the last nine possible points in the Premier League. Yet their crowning achievement to date may well be their latest, as they beat Manchester City on enemy territory during the midweek League Cup tie.
After what seems like endless discontent in the north-east, smiles are beginning to reemerge at Newcastle United. Yet they don’t ever seem to last.
It is too premature to rouse expectations of a return to the glory days for Newcastle United – the Mike Ashley era guarantees that expectations amongst the Toon faithful be minimal. Between a side that can play well enough to win at the Etihad to one that has only amassed five points from four home games this season, recent positives count for little if you’re Newcastle.
Having seen off City midweek with a weakened lineup, manager Alan Pardew will likely revert to his favoured combinations that include goalkeeper Tim Krul, playmaker Remy Cabella and forward Moussa Sissoko. Pardew with be without midfield enforcer Cheikh Tiote, while striker Papiss Cisse remains in doubt.
Liverpool cannot afford to get too heartened by recent events, despite the midweek comeback waged against Swansea City. Mario Balotelli got his goal, yet doubts still linger about the Italian’s suitability to Brendan Rodgers’ style of play.
Of greater influence was his compatriot Fabio Borini, who has been at the outer at Anfield since his refusal to leave the club during the summer transfer window. Borini’s performance against the Swans may force Rodgers to revise his plans in favour of him, possibly in coordination with Balotelli, who appears more comfortable having an accomplice as opposed to working in isolation up front.
Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling will be returned to the starting 11 following their midweek absences, yet the critical player for Liverpool’s attacking fluency remains the enigmatic Philippe Coutinho. After a bright start to his Liverpool career two seasons ago, the Brazilian’s form this season has been patchy at best.
Combined with the departure of Luis Suarez and the prolonged absence of Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool have lost the attacking impetus that drove them so close to a Premier League title last season.
This fixture promises goals and usually delivers. The two sides played an entertaining 2-all draw at St James’ Park last October, while Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Anfield on the final day last season was scant consolation for a Premier League title lost.
With both teams inclined to feel good about themselves following their most recent exploits, we can look forward to an entertaining clash – one in which determining a result is nigh on impossible. A draw is the pragmatist’s prediction.
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