Newcastle vs. Liverpool: 10 Bold Predictions for Premier League Showdown

On Sunday, a major clash between underperforming Liverpool and high-flying Newcastle United will take place at St. James' Park.

It is a game that will have a massive impact on the rest of the season for both clubs.

The previous fixture between the two ended in a 3-1 Liverpool victory at Anfield, but with Newcastle now eight points ahead of the Reds in the Premier League table, things could be very different this time around.

The game is stacked with story lines, including Andy Carroll's return to Tyneside and the race for European football for Newcastle.

Here I've outlined 10 bold predictions as to how exactly these story lines will unfold. 

Another Big Game from James Perch

One of many surprises for Newcastle this season has been the play of former Nottingham Forest captain James Perch. 

The left-back has excelled in recent weeks in his new utility role at St. James' Park, and if he can keep it up Newcastle may not have to worry too much about losing Cheik Tiote in the summer.

Newcastle will need another great performance for the man now known as "Perchinio," as he will be called upon to replace club captain and centre-back Fabricio Coloccini, making it the third different position he has played in the last three games.

Considering the form he's in right now, I wouldn't bet against Perch coming up big again.

Papiss Cisse Will Continue His Hot Streak

January signing Papiss Cisse has been worth every penny of the £10 million Newcastle paid for him in the transfer window, scoring five goals in just his first six games in black and white.

Cisse has been amongst the very best strikers in the Premier League since making his debut against Aston Villa, and a game like this is exactly when a big-time player like himself steps up.

Having scored two goals in his last game against West Brom, I'm certain that Cisse will keep up the good work and, at the very least, add a goal to his already impressive tally. 

More "Champagne" Football from Newcastle

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew recently labelled his team's play as "champagne" football in an interview with BBC Sport, and he's not wrong.

Some beautiful inter-play between Newcastle's front three of Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa (from left to right) was on display for the entire game, highlighted by Ba's back-heeled pass to Ben Arfa that led to one of two Papiss Cisse goals.

Despite looking a bit off in the first couple of months in 2012, Newcastle now seem to be firing on all cylinders, and they'll keep this top form up against Liverpool. 

Andy Carroll's Best Game in a Liverpool Shirt

Liverpool's £35 million signing of Andy Carroll from his hometown club Newcastle last January shocked the football world, as many thought the Reds had signed the best young striker in England.

Since then, though, things have not gone well, as Carroll is essentially now competing with Fernando Torres for the title of the biggest bust from that January's window.

Still, though, a player with his level of talent has to make amends at some point and there's no better time for him to do so than on his return to Tyneside to face his fellow Geordies.

Carroll has scored just three goals so far this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if he adds a goal or two this Sunday to almost double his overall record. 

League Table Decider

As previously mentioned, Newcastle currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League, with an eight-point lead over Liverpool in seventh and level on points with Chelsea in fifth.

This game could be very influential in terms of Newcastle's eventual success in either keeping Liverpool at bay or chasing down a Champions League spot.

Newcastle have a slightly tougher schedule to close out the season, facing the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, but due to the points situation the advantage is still theirs.

The best case for Liverpool would be for the tougher schedule to negate the eight points and, though this will likely not be the case, this would then make this game the decider for who finishes above who.

An Interesting Match-Up Between Ben Arfa and Enrique

One of the more intriguing matchups this weekend is the battle between former Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique and Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa, who has been playing in a class of his own this month.

Enrique will have to live up to his "pitbull" nickname to get in the way of the in-form Ben Arfa, as it is he who instigates Newcastle's "champagne" play in the attacking third.

Both players are young, hungry and talented, making this matchup the one to watch if you're tuning into the game.

Another Struggle for Mike Williamson

Mike Williamson's play has been far from perfect recently, with a number of key mistakes of his leading to many an opposition goal.

Going up against the ever-dangerous Suarez and a motivated Andy Carroll will be a tough task for Willo once again, as he has struggled mightily against the elite strikers such as Robin van Persie.

With his central-defensive partner Fabricio Coloccini sidelined with a hamstring injury, things will be even harder for Williamson, an his lack of Premier League quality will be shown up once again barring a miracle.

Liverpool Will Dearly Miss Charlie Adam

After suffering a knock against QPR, it has been discovered that midfielder Charlie Adam will have to miss the remainder of the season with what has now been discovered as lateral ligament damage in his right knee.

The Scotland international has played an important role for Kenny Dalglish's side this season and without him things could be very worrisome for the Reds, who were struggling even with him in the side.

Going up against Yohan Cabaye and Cheik Tiote, who is returning this week from his own injury, Liverpool will dearly miss Adam's presence as they take on the impressive Newcastle duo. 

Game of the Week

The game is already set for Sky Sports coverage on April Fools Day and you'd have to be a fool to miss this if you're a football fan.

The combination of all these story lines, the clash of talent and the importance of this game make it essential viewing for all.

Besides this game, the weekend's slate looks rather mediocre compared to other weeks, discounting maybe the Tottenham-Swansea fixture, so this will definitely be the game to watch.

Newcastle Victory

Despite the 3-1 loss last time round, Newcastle have proven themselves over the course of the season to be the better side between the two, and I think this will show with the end result.

Newcastle are just hitting peak form at the right time, and Liverpool seem to be doing quite the opposite.

Injuries have taken their toll on both teams, but, at the end of the day, Newcastle have more quality and cohesiveness in their starting XI. This is what will put them past Liverpool in a close game to essentially seal a top-six position for the season.