Newcastle United v Liverpool - Preview

Liverpool visit St. James’ Park on Saturday evening, knowing they must win to pile the pressure on leaders Manchester City, who do not play until Monday night against Leicester City.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will be bruised after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Barcelona, during their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Camp Nou. The reds will have to put that defeat to the back of their minds and concentrate on taking the title race into the final weekend of the season.

Liverpool will not have it all their own way, they come against an in form Newcastle United side, who will be playing their final home game of the season. The atmosphere will be difficult for Liverpool, as Newcastle fans know that this could well be the last time they see Rafael Benitez in the home dugout at St. James’ Park. As it stands, the Spaniard is no closer to resolving his future with the club. Newcastle United have had the upper hand in recent home meetings between the two sides, having only lost one of their least seven at home against the reds, winning four and drawing two.

Team News

Newcastle United could be without in form Ayoze Perez, who limped off against Brighton last time out. The Magpies will also assess the fitness of captain, Jamaal Lascelles. However, Florian Lejuene, Sean Longstaff and record signing Miguel Almiron remain long term absentees.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita pulled up with a groin problem against Barcelona, he will be facing two months on the sidelines. The only other injury concern for Liverpool is Adam Lallana. Roberto Firmino made a cameo appearance against Barcelona in midweek, the Brazilian is expected to start at St. James’ Park.

Expected Line-Ups:

Newcastle United: Dubravka, Manquillo, Schar, Lascelles, Dummett, Ritchie, Perez, Shelvey, Hayden, Atsu, Rondon

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane

Prediction:

With Liverpool’s poor record at St James’ Park, Newcastle Untied could have a massive say in the title race. Liverpool will be licking their wounds after Wednesday’s defeat. Rafa Benitez will want to end the season on a high, especially if this is to be his last home game in charge of the Magpies.

Newcastle 2 Liverpool 2