Liverpool-Newcastle: Preview

Liverpool v Newcastle

Sunday 3 May 2009, Anfield

Kickoff: 13:30

Liverpool

Liverpool beat Hull City 3-1 on the road in their last league match, the Reds' sixth win in seven matches.

In their last five, Liverpool have won four and drawn one, earning 13 from the 15 points on offer. The Reds are currently second in the league, three points behind league leaders Man Utd (although the Red Devils have a match in hand), and three points clear of third placed Chelsea.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is hopeful for this match, after the midfielder resumed training following a groin injury.

Newcastle

Newcastle United drew 0-0 with Portsmouth in their last encounter, their ninth straight league match without a win.

In their last five matches, Newcastle have drawn two and lost three, picking up only two points from the 15 available.

Newcastle will be without Steven Taylor, but Jose Enrique is hopeful for this match.

Prediction

Liverpool beat Newcastle 5-1 earlier this season at St James' Park, and last season's Liverpool vs. Newcastle match resulted in a 3-0 Reds victory.

With both teams out of all other competitions, their primary focus will now be on their Premier League tasks. For Liverpool, it is keeping up their unlikely title chase on leaders Manchester United, whilst for Newcastle it is the difficult task ahead of avoiding relegation at the end of the season.

Liverpool's attack has been stellar recently, scoring 11 goals in their last three league matches. Newcastle's on the other hand has been lacklustre, only scoring once in their last three matches. Their last match saw the Magpies fail to net a goal against Portsmouth at home in spite of manager Alan Shearer fielding three strikers.

Liverpool have been near enough invincible at Anfield this season, having not lost a single match in the Premier League, and the dominance of the Liverpool side looks set to continue as they enter this match as heavy favourites to post a convincing victory over the struggling Newcastle side.

Read the complete preview with the best betting guide at the Liverpool - Newcastle odds and preview page now!

Then read our other weekend previews: Middlesbrough vs Manchester United, Chelsea vs Fulham, and Portsmouth vs Arsenal all with top online betting odds.