Newcastle United vs. Liverpool: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

After two disappointing losses in a row to Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic, two teams fighting off relegation, Liverpool needs a strong performance this weekend against Newcastle United. 

Their hopes of reaching the Champions League are all but gone as they are 13 points behind fourth place Tottenham.  Newcastle, on the other hand, are only five points back and still have hope of making a run to the Champions League. 

Fans are calling for Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to be sacked and he will need to get some results before the end of the season if he is back at  Anfield after this season. 

Where: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne

When: Sunday, April 1 at 8:30 a.m. ET

Watch: FoxSoccer.tv

Betting Odds:

Newcastle Win 2/1

Liverpool Win 7/5
Draw 9/4

Player to Watch for Newcastle: Demba Ba 

Ba has been a bright spot for the Magpies this season.  He has 16 goals in 26 league appearances, making him fourth in the league at the moment. 

Liverpool have conceded six goals in their past three fixtures and Ba could add to their misery if their defensive line is unable to stop the big forward. 

Player to Watch for Liverpool: Steven Gerard 

Gerrard has come back from injury and has quickly found good form.  In nine starts, he has scored five goals.

The Liverpool captain has been an called an “inspiration” by his teammates after scoring a hat-trick against rival Everton. 

Gerrard is perhaps the most important player the club has.  When he goes, so does Liverpool. 

Key Matchup: Kenny Dalglish vs. Alan Pardew

Another disappointing season for the Reds and the fans want Dalglish gone.  He may tinker with his tactical formation and deploy a more direct style of play against the Magpies. 

Pardew needs a result to keep Newcastle hanging on in the race for fourth place. 

What They're Saying

To ESPNsoccernet, Pardew tried to play down the team's chances of qualifying for the Champions League so that the fans aren't disappointed if they miss out:

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"There are a lot of games left, a lot of points. But I don't think we've got the depth of squad to challenge for that (a Champions League place). I get told the fans might be thinking 'this is on' - but not me."

 

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Liverpool defender Jose Enrique told ESPNsoccernet that the club's disappointing season should be pinned on the players, not Dalglish:

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"Who plays the games? The players. Who has to win them? The players too. The players are frustrated just the same (as the fans). We have played good football in many games but against Wigan we didn't deserve to win.''

 

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Prediction: Liverpool 2, Newcastle 1