Source: SKY_Sports
Liverpool v Newcastle preview
Liverpool play host to Newcastle on Sunday with both sides in need of the points for different reasons.[LNB] The Reds face the possibility of going into the game six points behind leaders Manchester United with Sir Alex Ferguson's men in action against Middlesbrough on Saturday.[LNB]Liverpool have no room for error in the chase for the title and they will be boosted by the return of skipper Steven Gerrard. [LNB]Gerrard has missed the last four games with a groin injury, but he has returned to training and he is expected to go straight back into the starting line-up against relegation-threatened Newcastle.[LNB]Reds boss Rafa Benitez could freshen up his squad with Albert Riera returning to the side after being an unused substitute against Hull last time out.[LNB]Fabio Aurelio could also return at left-back after missing out against the Tigers.[LNB]Newcastle have problems in defence for the trip to Merseyside as they look to climb clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.[LNB]The Magpies are three points adrift of safety after Monday's disappointing goalless draw at home to Portsmouth.[LNB]Alan Shearer is without a recognised left-back for the game after Jose Enrique pulled a hamstring against Portsmouth meaning Damien Duff could be used as an emergency full-back.[LNB]Steven Taylor is still missing with an ankle problem leaving Fabricio Coloccini and Sebastien Bassong as the two central defenders at the heart of the backline.[LNB]Joey Barton could be handed a starting spot in midfield after being an unused substitute on Monday night.[LNB]Kevin Nolan and Ryan Taylor could earn recalls after being surprisingly omitted from the squad against Pompey.[LNB]It remains to be seen if Shearer sticks with his three-pronged attack of Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka against Liverpool or if he will revert to a more defensive formation.[LNB]Possible starting XIs[LNB]Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Kuyt, Mascherano, Alonso, Riera, Gerrard, Torres.[LNB]Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Duff, Bassong, Coloccini, Butt, Smith, Guthrie, Owen, Martins, Viduka.[LNB]
