Newcastle vs. Liverpool: Match Preview

After last weeks game against West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle return to St James' Park, in the hope of securing the three points, which would all but seal Premier League football for next season. After last weeks well earned point, a home win is of vital importance and Newcastle will look to continue their recent home record against Liverpool.

Last weeks outing against West Brom was a fairly good performance for Newcastle, and after the second half onslaught by Steve Clark's men it looks to be a very good point, especially when you take into consideration the fortress that the Hawthorns has become. But, relegation is still a possibility and a win against a considerably weakened Liverpool team may just be enough to stay in the top flight. In contrast to the usual rumblings from the Benton training complex, Newcastle look to be boosted by the return of Cheik Tiote although Tim Krul, Davide Santon and Sylvain Marveaux are still out for the time being. Hatem Ben Arfa has also declared himself 100% fit, so our talismanic winger could be in contention for a place in the first XI. Club captain Fabricio Coloccini is back in full training, and although he is out of this weeks game, he may be fit enough to face West Ham United next week.

Liverpool look considerably weaker than they did last week against Chelsea. This is in no small part, down too the Uruguayan cheat that is Luis Suarez. The aforementioned striker has took his ten game ban on the chin, and will no doubt be chomping at the bit to make his return next season. Other news coming out of the Melwood complex is that Steven Gerrard will need keyhole surgery at the end of the season, but unfortunately for us, he will be playing on Saturday. Martin Kelly, Joe Allen and Fabio Borini remained sidelined however. Brendan Rodger's side have won five on their travels and will be looking to add to that this weekend.

Predicted line up: Rob Elliot; Debuchy, Steven Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Haidara; Tiote, Cabaye, Sissoko; Ben Arfa, Gouffran, Cisse

For once I expect Alan Pardew to drop Jonas Gutierrez and go for a more attacking outlook against what is, a very decent Liverpool side.

Predicted scoreline: Newcastle to take the spoils with a 3-1 win.

As always, comments are welcome below. I'd like to know if you would drop Jonas or even start Tiote? I'll be back on the blog on Sunday and hope to come back with Newcastle having gained the three points. Howay the lads!