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

Liverpool and Newcastle United continue a busy week of Premier League action with a Friday clash at Anfield. Both teams are on the fringe of a potential European spot and will look to pick up some momentum by securing all three points.

The Reds continue to earn points despite an inconsistent offense which features only one player, Luis Suarez, with more than two goals. Andy Carroll has struggled since arriving from the Magpies, which is one of the major reasons Liverpool hasn't been more consistent in the attacking third.

Newcastle will be coming off a solid 2-0 victory over the Bolton Wanderers. The Magpies continue to hang tough in the table, mostly because they are willing to play a tough, gritty defensive game as Manchester United found out last month.

Where: Anfield in Liverpool, England

When: Friday, Dec. 30 at 2:45 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel and FoxSoccer.tv

Betting Odds: Liverpool -238, Newcastle United +642, Draw +313

Player to Watch for Liverpool: G Pepe Reina

Liverpool is tied with Manchester United for the fewest goals allowed this season. Reina's strong play between the pipes isn't getting a lot of attention because his offense isn't scoring to turn those performances into wins, but he's having a great season nevertheless.

The biggest problem for a goalkeeper during times like this is pressure. It's tough to command the box knowing in the back of your mind that any shot, deflection or unlucky bounce that gets past you could very well be the difference.

Player to Watch for Newcastle United: F Demba Ba

Fellow strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney get all the attention, but Ba is having a terrific season in his own right. He's scored 14 goals in 17 league games and rarely a game goes by without him having an impact. You can't say that about every attacker, even the elite ones.

The 26-year-old Senegal international has impressed in every spot he's made during his career and has proven that not even Premiership competition can slow him down. When a player is in a zone like that, it's always fun to watch, unless you're an opposing team supporter.

Key Matchup: Liverpool F Luis Suarez vs. Newcastle M Cheick Tiote

Suarez has been Liverpool's best offensive threat during the campaign, which means he'll be watched closely by Cheick Tiote, who is one of the league's best defensive midfielders. If he can keep Suarez in check, the Magpies' chances of securing at least one point will skyrocket.

What They're Saying

Liverpool's defense of Suarez during an investigation involving remarks made to Patrice Evra has come under fire, but boss Kenny Dalglish said it hasn't been a problem (via ESPNsoccernet):

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“The statement couldn't have caused anyone any trouble and I don't think the players have caused any trouble with the FA either by their statement or support by their T-shirts,” Dalglish said. “If we are not in any trouble we will leave it at that before we do get in any trouble.”

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The Daily Mail passes along some quotes from the in-form Ba, who said he's just trying to have some fun:

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“I don't really expect to score 10 or 15 or five or 20 goals–when I first came I just wanted to play, to have fun on the pitch, to show the whole club that the trust they put in me I was going to give it back.

“That's what has happened. I just have fun when I play, and think people see it on a Saturday or a Sunday.”

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Prediction

Liverpool 2, Newcastle United 1