Newcastle vs. Liverpool: Key Takeaways from Brendan Rodgers' Pre-Game Presser

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers refused to be drawn into yet more discussion on Mario Balotelli ahead of the Reds' visit to Newcastle, choosing to playfully mock any journalists who mentioned the Italian's name during Thursday's pre-match press conference.

Balotelli finally got on the scoresheet on Wednesday as Liverpool beat Swansea in the League Cup. He'd previously endured a torrid start to his Anfield career, and Rodgers even questioned his long-term Reds future last week.

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However, when the subject of his 24-year-old striker was presented to him on Thursday, Rodgers batted the question away, per David Maddock of the Mirror:

"Not Mario again! Next question, think of a better question."

While This Is Anfield notes his response was all in jest, Rodgers was not to be provoked into an actual answer on Balotelli:

He was more interested in singing the praises of another of his Italian strikers, Fabio Borini, hinting at a potential opportunity for the 23-year-old this weekend with Daniel Sturridge still out of action, per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

Indeed, Squawka suggests Rodgers should play both Balotelli and Borini when Liverpool take on an in-form Newcastle side on Saturday:

The Magpies have won two on the bounce in the Premier League, most recently turning around a one-goal deficit at half-time to beat Tottenham 2-1 last weekend.

In midweek, Alan Pardew's side then sent Manchester City out of the League Cup with a 2-0 away victory, so Liverpool will likely have a tough game on their hands in the north-east.

While Rodgers seems very aware that Newcastle are a tough challenge, he also feels his side have great momentum from their midweek exploits, per Maddock's report: "Great credit to the directors at Newcastle. We all know the pressures when you are not winning games. Pardew is very experienced. We will go into the game with big confidence. The other night we played as well as we have done all season."

As far as injuries are concerned, Rodgers succinctly reported those who would not be involved at the weekend, including a trio of defenders, per Pearce:

The defence has been a big issue this season for the Reds, who will need to be tight at the back if they are to keep Newcastle out.

It has been a stuttering start for Liverpool so far this campaign, and a good win away at a tough ground would be terrific in creating some genuine momentum.

However, there are very few teams in the league at the moment with as much momentum as Newcastle after their crucial results of the past week, so it is likely to be a tight match on Saturday.