Spirits are higher in the Liverpool camp than they have been in a long time, with Jürgen Klopp's tactics already bearing results at Anfield. They hammered Southampton 6-1 to reach the Capital One Cup semifinals in midweek, and heading into their Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Sunday, they're only six points adrift of league leaders Manchester City. Don't count them out of the title race just yet.
Liverpool vs. Newcastle 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Liverpool will look to continue their recent good form at struggling Newcastle on Sunday.
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They'll certainly be expecting to add three points to their tally with a win at St. James' Park on the weekend, with Steve McClaren's Newcastle having really struggled for results so far this season. They're still only a couple of points adrift of safety, though their 5-1 hammering at the hands of Crystal Palace last weekend suggested their problems are very serious indeed. Should they turn in a similar performance at the hands of Klopp's men on Sunday, the scoreline will surely be even more embarrassing.
Key player: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Philippe Coutinho has long threatened to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best players, but only this season has he shown his quality consistently. He is the Reds’ top scorer with five goals, and Klopp will be desperately hoping the Brazilian playmaker returns from a hamstring injury in time to make the trip to the North East.
Key factor: How will Newcastle's defence perform?
Newcastle's defensive performances so far this season have been nothing short of shambolic, with the Magpies having conceded as many goals as anyone in the Premier League. Recent injuries to their defensive personnel means McClaren has to stick with the dodgy duo of Chancel Mbemba and Fabricio Coloccini. Unless they've managed to make a significant improvement over the last week, goalkeeper Rob Elliott is likely to be very busy.
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Curtis Good (hip); Emmanuel Rivière, Tim Krul, Massadio Haïdara (knee); Steven Taylor, Gabriel Obertan, Jamaal Lascelles, Mike Williamson (hamstring); Cheick Tioté (groin); Rolano Aarons (ankle/foot). In doubt: None.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jon Flanagan, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings, Mamadou Sakho (knee); Emre Can (suspended). In doubt: Philippe Coutinho (hamstring).
Newcastle have a massive injury list with their defence hit particularly hard. Centre-backs Lascelles and Williamson have made the latest visits to the physio’s table, leaving the Magpies all the more stretched at the back.
Liverpool are slightly less affected, though will wait nervously on the fitness of in-form attacker Coutinho. He’s suffering with a hamstring injury, and will face late fitness tests. Midfielder Can is certainly unavailable through suspension.
Match date/time: Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); Telemundo (US - Spanish); RDS, TSN (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (UK); Sky Go (UK)
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