St. James’ Park
Kick off: 12.45
The Teams
Newcastle United (Possible 4-2-3-1) Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Collocini, Paul Dumett; Jack Colback, Vernun Anita, Moussa Sissoko, Gabriel Obertan, Yoan Gouffran; Papiss Cisse.
Out: Siem De Jong (thigh muscle strain), Davide Santon (knee).
Tests: Papiss Cisse (knee)
Liverpool
Out: Daniel Sturridge (calf/thigh), Jon Flanagan (knee), Mamadou Sakho (hip/thigh), Jose Enrique (knee).
Team News
Newcastle United
Papiss Cisse will face a late fitness test for Saturday’s fixture but tentatively is expected to be fit to play against Liverpool. Newcastle will remain without Siem De Jong and Davide Santon, though the Italian’s return be within the next two weeks.
Liverpool
Liverpool will be without Jose Enrique this weekend, though he wouldn’t have been expected to start ahead of Alberto Moreno. The Spanish full back picked up a knee injury and missed out on playing midweek vs. Swansea. Mamadou Sakho remains two weeks away from a return, while Sturridge could be as long as three weeks away from a return.
Insight
Liverpool arrive on Tyneside on Saturday in form limbo. While the Reds have stopped the chaotic rot which saw them lose to Aston Villa and West Ham, they are still not winning regularly. A stunning late strike from Everton’s Phil Jagielka and their own ineptitude in front of goal against Hull City means the Reds have just two wins in their last six league games.
Comparatively Newcastle United have massively turned around their fortunes in recent weeks and eased the pressure on manager Alan Pardew’s shoulders. Wins against Leicester City and Spurs have lifted the clouds above Tyneside, while the momentous League Cup victory over Manchester City will leave the Geordies buoyant and fearless as Liverpool come to town.
Stat of the day: Daniel Sturridge has missed eleven consecutive games for the Reds this season.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
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