Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle United: In game and Post Match discussion

We're back, which means it's matchday and Liverpool take on Newcastle United later today in a 5.30pm GMT kick-off at Anfield.

With 10 games to go in the Premier League season and the Reds currently sitting in third, there's no room for any let-up as we chase a Champions League berth.

Of course, today's game is particularly significant as we welcome Rafael Benitez back to Merseyside - and if one thing is certain today, it's a warm welcome for our former boss.

So, sit back, relax and stay with us throughout the day* as we bring you all the build-up, action, reaction and much more to tonight's game.

* Unless you're going to the game, then wrap up warm because it's absolutely freezing...

Line-up:























Anfield:













Team comparison:





Klopp's pre-match presser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTn82Bl4F70

Liverpool: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Firmino, Mane, Salah

Substitutions: Mignolet, Moreno, Gomez, Matip, Milner, Solanke, Lallana

Newcastle: Dubravka, Lejeune, Lascelles, Dummett, Yedlin, Atsu, Kenedy, Diamé, Merino, Gayle, Murphy

Substitutions: Darlow, Manquillo, Hayden, Ritchie, Clark, Perez, Joselu

Georginio Wijnaldum and Ben Woodburn are doubts due to ongoing illness, while the Reds were checking on James Milner after the vice-captain sustained a knock last weekend.

Jonjo Shelvey will not feature against his former club due to a knee injury, but Benitez expects to have Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie available.

Stats entertainment:

Some pre-match stats for you now, factoid fans...

Liverpool are two goals short of recording 200 in the Premier League under Jürgen Klopp
The Reds have bagged more Premier League goals against Newcastle than anyone else (89)
At Anfield, Liverpool are unbeaten in the last 21 top-flight clashes with the Magpies - winning 17 and drawing four
A victory in this game will see Liverpool record a 300th Premier league win at Anfield
If Mohamed Salah scores today, he will have struck in 19 different Premier League fixtures to equal the club record held by Robbie Fowler (1994-95) and Daniel Sturridge (2013-14)

Gutted no Wijnaldum, but most likely start vs Porto! Good to see Hendo back in too.

What’s happened to Gini doesn’t even make the bench recently.

What’s happened to Gini doesn’t even make the bench recently.

Ongoing illness, apparently he has been ill since the Porto game. Same for Woodburn who hasn't featured. Klavan still recovering too.

Virus, apparently he has been ill since the Porto game. Same for Woodburn who hasn't featured.

Cheers Mate.

Surely we're going to be too strong for them this time around.  Can't see anything but our first ever win over Rafa.

Much improved since we last met the geordies so can't see anything other than a win for the reds tonight ,interesting to see emre in the side so I'm hoping he doesn't get a stupid yellow which will result in him missing the next two games.
Going for 3-0 mane,salah and Bobby

Come on redmen, need to start witha good tempo against what will probably a cautious Newcastle team

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/969977475500568577

Pub,beer football,c'mon you mighty reds!

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/969977475500568577

Class & Classy as ever is Rafa.

Rafa will always be welcome at Anfield.

Tough game - first goal massive - sorry Rafa we need the points

How can you not love Rafa?

As hard as it is going to be i want to see his side get obliterated today.

5-0 to the Redmen.

 

Their keeper is good but is he Salah-proof good?

Liverpool keeper unchanged for the 6th game in a row.  Longest unchanged spell since end of last season/start of this.

Let’s go boys, we need these 3 points!

But concerned about this one today but buzzing about to watch us play.

These kick off times are brutal

Hoping for a quick start to knock the stuffing out of them... and because that bench looks a bit sh*t with 3 defenders.

Our bench is weaker than nun's piss.

Hopefully we can get this wrapped up in the first half.

Hendo twice demanding the ball with two men on him... just so he can play it back to Dejan immediately.

Mate...

Hendo twice demanding the ball with two men on him... just so he can play it back to Dejan immediately.

Mate...

He’s just trying to keep warm, leave him be.

Not gonna be a easy game, Rafa is a great tactician and would know how to set a team against us.

Sane!! So close, touch failed him