Venue: Anfield
Date: 11/05/2014
Kick–off: 15:00 (BST)
Liverpool welcome Newcastle United to Anfield on Sunday, in a match where the Reds will want to cap off a magnificent campaign by treating their home fans to a victory.
The Reds have literally let their title hopes slip after a couple of poor results in recent times and now it looks like Brendan Rodgers’ men have to wait another season to end their 24-year wait to win the title.
Nonetheless, Liverpool mathematically do still stand a chance of being crowned champions if Manchester City go on to slip up against West Ham United and the Reds should certainly keep the belief by remembering that stranger things have happened in the Premier League in the past few years.
Therefore, Rodgers will be hoping for the best and ensure his side get their end of job done when Newcastle United pay a visit.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, have very little to play for and cannot wait for the campaign to come to an end.
That being said, Alan Pardew currently seems to the most under pressure manager in the league and he would take any positive result that is coming his way. While it would be outlandish to think that a victory against Liverpool on Sunday will relieve all the pressure on his shoulders, Pardew will certainly want to end the campaign on a high and give the suffering Magpies fans something to smile about.
Liverpool
Brendan Rodgers has been handed a huge boost with the return of Jordan Henderson and recent demise of Liverpool in the absence of the young man has proved how important he really is for the Reds. Henderson will surely slot straight into the lineup alongside Steven Gerrard, while Philippe Coutinho also looks set to return with Lucas and Joe Allen making way.
The Liverpool defence has been shaky throughout the season and it was none more so evident during their collapse against Crystal Palace in midweek. As a result, Rodgers will probably look to make a few changes at the back.
Jon Flanagan and Glen Johnson look likely to retain their place in the lineup but Mamadou Sakho might be dropped in place of Daniel Agger to partner alongside Martin Skrtel.
The striking duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will surely be leading the line for the Reds and will for the final time this season look to wreak havoc to opposition defences.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United went with a 4-4-2 formation against Cardiff City last week and it certainly paid dividends as the Magpies managed to end their horror run of six consecutive defeats. It would not be a surprise to see a similar formation being adopted by Pardew on Sunday as well.
Tim Krul looks set to start in goal for the Magpies and will probably be shielded by a defence consisting of Paul Dummett, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini and Mathieu Debuchy.
The Newcastle midfield consisting of Yoann Gouffran, Vernon Anita, Cheick Tioté and Moussa Sissoko did well against Cardiff and look likely to retain their spot in the starting lineup.
The duo of Loic Remy and Shola Ameobi, in what looks to be the duo’s final game for Newcastle, will be leading the line but will undoubtedly have to track back in order to not allow Liverpool’s dangerous attack much freedom.
Probable Lineups
Liverpool: Mignolet; Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Sterling, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho, Sturridge; Suarez
Newcastle United: Krul; Dummett, Williamson, Coloccini, Debuchy; Gouffran, Anita, Tiote, Sissoko, Remy, Ameobi
Form
Liverpool: W W W L D
Newcastle United: L L L L W
Last Meeting
19/10/2013 Newcastle United 2 – 2 Liverpool
27/04/2013 Newcastle United 0 – 6 Liverpool
Prediction
Although a title triumph looks unlikely, Liverpool need to win against Newcastle United to give themselves a chance while, on the other hand, the match is of not much significance for the Magpies.
Liverpool have been imperious at home this season, bar their slip up against Chelsea, and the Reds look overwhelming favourites for the clash. What happens in the game involving Manchester City is not within their powers but even if the Reds do fall short, they would want to cap off a fine season with a win for their fans.
Newcastle United in general have been woeful since the turn of the year and there are a lot of problems plaguing the club at the moment. The Magpies look set to go through a major surgery in the summer and the match against Liverpool does not hold much importance.
Nonetheless, Pardew would want to avoid a hammering as his he already under so much pressure and he will certainly set up a side which will look to frustrate Liverpool’s attack.
It is difficult to see any result beyond a victory for Liverpool and the Reds will certainly want to finish off the campaign in style with a convincing win.
Liverpool 3 – 0 Newcastle United
TV Schedule: NBC Sports Network, Sunday at 7AM.
