Newcastle v Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool travel north to take on Newcastle United at St James Park on Saturday evening looking to close the gap on rivals Everton.

Much of the pre-match talk has centered around Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan was hit with a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last Sunday.

The Reds have decided against an appeal meaning Suarez will begin his ban this weekend and will miss the remaining four games of the season as well as six domestic fixtures next term. Boss Brendan Rodgers has expressed his disappointment at the punishment but will be looking to get back to focussing on on-field matters this weekend after another turbulent week at Anfield.

Rodgers side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table and five points off Everton, so will be hoping to end the season strongly to finish above their Mersey rivals to secure Europa League qualification.

Newcastle on the other hand will be looking to cement their Premier League status for another year and head into the game off the back of last weeks 1-1 draw with West Brom.

Alan Pardew’s side have won just one of their last five league matches which has seen them dragged into the relegation dog fight. The Magpies sit 16th in the table but are six points clear of 18th placed Wigan, so one more win should see the Geordies safe.

Team News

Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote is likely to return after missing last weekends action with a hamstring injury. The Ivory Coast international has trained this week so should be in contention to start.

Striker Papiss Cisse is also expected to play despite picking up a rib injury but captain Fabricio Coloccini is still short of fitness despite returning to training this week.

Midfielder Sylvain Marveaux remains out with a groin injury and is joined by Davide Santon, Tim Krul and Ryan Taylor on the sidelines.

Liverpool will obviously be without star striker Luis Suarez due to his controversial suspension. Daniel Sturridge will come in to replace the Uruguayan after making a superb impact from the bench last week against Chelsea, scoring one and setting up Suarez’s late equaliser.

Rodgers has no fresh injury concerns meaning Fabio Borini, Martin Kelly and Joe Allen are the only players missing, while Raheem Sterling may come back into the squad after being rested in recent weeks.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

This game has always promised goals and excitement over the years and we hope for more of the same this weekend. Newcastle are inching their way towards safety and Liverpool will be aiming to overhaul Everton. I can see the visitors taking a point from this one. Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool

What would be your preferred team for the game and what’s your predicted score? Get involved in the comments section below.