EPL Preview: Liverpool FC vs. Newcastle United

Andy Carroll could face his old club for the first time since his January transfer, as Liverpool host Newcastle at Anfield.

Newcastle haven't won at Anfield in the Premier League since 1994. However, when the two clubs met at St. James' Park back in December, Newcastle embarrassed Roy Hodgson's Liverpool 3-1, with Andy Carroll—then a Newcastle player—scoring twice.

However, this time it's different.

Liverpool have the third-best home record in the Premier League. At Anfield, they've won 65 percent of their matches. In their last five matches, they've won three, drawn once and lost once, including last week's 5-0 drubbing of Birmingham.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are coming off two losses, two draws and only one win.

They were actually sitting higher than Liverpool have sat all season when they were in fifth place, way back at the beginning of the season. However, since losing Carroll and sacking manager Chris Hughton, Newcastle have struggled and now sit 11th in the table.

Of course, the focus of this match, if he is fit, will be Andy Carroll. Manager Kenny Dalglish has warned him to expect some abuse from the Newcastle fans.

"

"I think the boy is expecting something. I don't know what they will do on Sunday but if, as a player, you don't get abuse off your old supporters then they can't have been too disappointed that you left."

"

Liverpool played very well last week against Birmingham. For me, the biggest thing this week will be whether Andy Carroll's return to the side alters the way Liverpool play going forward.

Liverpool's attacking performances, when Carroll didn't play against Birmingham and Manchester United, were great. The ball was kept on the ground and the team tried to play pass-and-move football.

When he has played this season, most likely due to the temptation of hoofing it up to him if things get scary at the back, Liverpool's players have at times tended to resort to route one tactics.

That is, with the exception of the game against Manchester City. It hasn't been great to watch.

Hopefully, that's not the case and his transition back into the team sees just as good a performance as last week.

More importantly, let's hope it means three points.