Newcastle vs. Liverpool Preview: EPL Matchweek 35

April 26, 2013

By Daire McAnallen

Newcastle United will be aiming to hit the magic tally of 40 points when they entertain Liverpool at St. James’ Park in Saturday’s late kick-off. The Magpies are six points clear of 18th-placed Wigan but the Latics do have a game-in-hand so Alan Pardew‘s side aren‘t out-of-the-woods yet. No one expected the Toon Army to be in this predicament after an excellent season last year but a host of injuries to crucial players, the loss of Demba Ba and the distraction of the Europa League have all contributed to them underachieving but they’ll be hoping to secure safety so they can put 2012-2013 behind them and start afresh next season with their Gallic-filled squad. Liverpool’s season has been dominated by Luis Suarez, and just when it seemed like he’d be making headlines for the right reasons, he went and bit Branislav Ivanovic which has resulted in a 10-match ban that will keep him out until September after he chose not to appeal the decision. It’s a massive blow for Liverpool and, of course, for Suarez himself, who was in contention for a Golden Boot and numerous Player of the Year awards. The Reds are currently in seventh place, five points behind Everton and six ahead of West Brom, so they have very little at stake for the remainder of the season. However, Suarez has been their shining light this season, making it a memorable and successful one for them as Rodgers builds for next season, which they’ll have to begin without their key man.

The Magpies could have midfielder Cheick Tiote back after he resumed training this week following a hamstring injury, while captain, Fabricio Coloccini, has also returned to training after a back problem but he’s short of match fitness after seven weeks on the sidelines so he’s unlikely to start. However, the Toon Army will be without midfielder Sylvain Marveaux, who’s out with a groin injury, while full-back Davide Santon has a hamstring injury and could miss the rest of the season alongside goalkeeper Tim Krul, who’s out with a shoulder problem, and utility man Ryan Taylor, who has a cruciate ligament injury. In the absence of Suarez, Daniel Sturridge should take his place after coming on to score one and provide an assist for the equaliser in their 2-2 draw against Chelsea last Sunday. Forgotten forward Fabio Borini, who’s been out since February with a dislocated shoulder, is training again and may make the squad in what could be a very timely return to action for the Italian. Newcastle and Liverpool have been involved in some classic encounters over the years but this could be a scrappy battle and with four consecutive home wins before that shock 0-3 defeat to rivals Sunderland, I think the Magpies can regain that form with a win here. Therefore I’ll go for a 2-1 win for the home side with goals from Cabaye and Sissoko with Sturridge responding for the Reds.