Newcastle v Liverpool: Team News / Match Thread

[artaylor]

The Reds team in full: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Gerrard, Kewell, Sissoko, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres. Subs: Itandje, Riise, Crouch, Babel, Mascherano

Interesting selection, with only one known winger (Hazza) out there, is Gerrard being placed on the right, or are we seeing another Benitez special with Kuyt roaming over toward the wing?

And can Crouch do anything to get a place these days? Best player on the pitch in the widweek and he's still behind the mis-firing Kuyt.

I expect the team will line up like this

Reina

Finnan, Carra, Hyypia, Arbeloa

             Sissoko
        Lucas     Gerrard    Kewell
       Kuyt (free-ish role)
              Torres
       

[koolkidda]

Big question though? Is Rafa still managing us

Disappointed no return for Agger - but good to see Torres back in the starting 11.  Sissoko and Lucas though? I thought Rafa's recent spat with the owners was all to do with trying to sign Mascherano on a long term deal. 

If that's the case - why is he behind Lucas and Sissoko?

[xen105]

team will look like this:

                    REINA
FINNAN  CARRA  SAMI    ARBELOA

STEVIE   LUCAS  SISSOKO   KEWELL

              KUYT
                         TORRES

[koolkidda]

Facts

The Reds have scored 52 Premier League goals against Newcastle. They have not netted more against any other club.

The Magpies have scored as many Premier League goals as the Merseysiders (19), but have conceded three times as many (18 to six).

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 3rd
Lowest could fall: 7th

Averaging two points per game (24 in 12). It's their best start since 30 points were accrued to this stage in 2002-03 when they finished fifth. However a higher finish has been attained in three of the four subsequent seasons, after inferior starts.

Boasting the strongest away form in this league with 14 of their 24 points gained on the road, including victories at Aston Villa, Sunderland, Wigan and Everton.

Lost the lead four times in Premier League matches this season, and dropped six points from leading positions, drawing home to Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.

Both Momo and Kuyt are making their 50th start for the reds.

[koolkidda]

Thick geordie bas**rds booing every Stevie G touch.

[LondonRed]

that's it Stevie G save the best for LPFC   

1-0

[shikhark]

what a beauty!!
1-0 Gerrard!!

[The Anfield Warrior]

sissoko, has tripped over the ball and given away posesson a few times already, I really like the guy, but how long does your confidence have to be down before you get "rotated"..?

[koolkidda]

Great goal.  Stick that in your pipes you boo boys.

[koolkidda]

sissoko, has tripped over the ball and given away posesson a few times already, I really like the guy, but how long does your confidence have to be down before you get "rotated"..?

Especially when you have Mascherano on the bench....

[benforrest]

has anyone on earth still got faith in Sissoko?.....game has now been turned upside down, Newcastle are getting in a few chances, applying alot of pressure

[U-Borat]

Nope....10 mill to Juventus please.

[benforrest]

Someone must tell rafa to attack the wings, 5 defenders aren't easy to split

[benforrest]

Torres hits the bar, after he is one on one with given 30 yards out

[koolkidda]

Should have been 2-0.  Really really should have been.

3 points, por favor.

[king kenny]

Fat sam has gone for his half-time fry-up to keep his chlosteral levels up!