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After a week that has left Liverpool digesting Luis Suarez‘s 10 match ban, the focus returns to on-field matters as Liverpool make the trip to Newcastle on Saturday Evening.
Newcastle, however, will be keen to show their teeth as a win could see them secure their Premier League status after a difficult season.
The Magpies currently sit in 16th position, six points clears of the relegation zone with four games to play. Whilst relegation seems unlikely, the Geordie faithful would certainly welcome all three points.
Alan Pardew’s men have only won one of their last five games, including that damaging defeat to rivals Sunderland last time out at St. James’ Park.
It has not all been doom and gloom for Newcastle this season however, as a successful Europa League campaign saw them reach the quarter finals only to be knocked out by Benfica.
The cup run seems to have taken its toll on the teams league form though as they now look forward to improving next season.
Liverpool go into the match on the back of three successive draws, including last week’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea in which Luis Suarez took centre stage for a number of reasons.
The game will come as a welcome distraction for Brendan Rogers as the club look to move on from last week and make a final push to catch rivals Everton in 6th.
Whether the 10 match ban for Suarez is fair or not has caused much discussion in the footballing world, but everyone will agree that the league will be missing one of its star players until late September.
Team News:
Combative midfielder Cheick Tiote could return to the Newcastle squad as he has resumed training after last week’s hamstring injury.
Papiss Cisse is also in contention despite travelling to France for treatment on a rib injury whilst defender Fabricio Coloccini isn’t expected to feature after missing seven weeks with a back injury.
Tim Krul (shoulder), Ryan Taylor (cruciate ligament) and Davide Santon (hamstring) may all be out until the end of the season where as midfielder Sylvain Marveaux is out with a groin injury.
Key Player:
Since Demba Ba’s departure in January, all eyes have turned to Papiss Cisse as he leads the attacking line.
Despite struggling to find his untouchable form from last season, the Senegalese striker has scored 13 goals this season which puts him level with the departed Ba.
As we have already seen over the past season and a half, Cisse is able to produce the extraordinary as well score those all important last minute goals.
The game is live on ESPN (UK) and kick’s off at 5:30pm (local time). The Anfield Opinion will keep you up to date with all the latest post match action.
