EPL Preview: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Oct 19, 2013 at 12.45pm (UK)
St James’ Park
It’s certainly testing times as a Magpies fan. Whereas Newcastle sit eleventh in the table with ten points in their kitty after seven games, the Reds from Merseyside have had a terrific start to the season. With now Luis Suarez back after his ten match ban, there is now only one way for the Reds- up, up and up above. Newcastle this season have blown hot and cold over the season struggling to find any such consistency.
While Alan Pardew’s men will look to build on their recent winning run of two games, Liverpool would vie for another three points as per keeping their top four ambitions. The lunchtime clash promises to be another goal fest as per going by fixtures. There have been over a hundred odd goals scored in the last thirty eight league meetings and the goalless draw in the fixture dates back to way back in 1974.
The Magpies have drawn once, lost and won thrice in their campaign so far. Liverpool however has drawn only once, losing once as well and winning their rest five games. Three points for the Reds would see them go back to the top of the Premier League albeit temporarily with Arsenal due to play Norwich late on Saturday.
Liverpool come into the game winning their game against Crystal Palace by 3-1 whereas, Newcastle enjoyed an impressive away victory 1-2 against Cardiff City.
Liverpool ran out a convincing 6-0 win in the same fixture last year and if there is any indication of that repeating expect Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge to do majority of the damage up front. For the home side though, Hatem Ben Arfa is a player who can transform any game on its head and will need the help of Yohan Cabaye if the home side are to garner full three points.
Team News:
Newcastle:
Newcastle are without captain Fabricio Coloccini and central defender Steven Taylor through injuries, whereas winger Jonas Gutierrez is also absent due to personal problems.So expect the likes of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwaand Mike Williamson to join hands in the backline.
Liverpool:
The Reds have been handed a fitness boost with the trio of Joe Allen, Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho back to training. Lucas Leiva is also available for selection after serving a one match ban. Meanwhile Brazilian Philippe Coutinho is still recovering from his long term shoulder injury.
Possible starting lineups
Newcastle: Krul, Debuchy, Williamson, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon, Cabaye, Tiote, Sissoko, Gouffran, Cisse, Remy
Liverpool: Mignolet; Sakho, Toure, Skrtel; Johnson, Enrique, Gerrard, Lucas, Coutinho; Sturridge, Suarez
Prediction:
Liverpool look quite strong both on and off paper and I expect the Reds to run a 3-1 win over The Magpies come Saturday.