There’s no denying that Liverpool’s season has been a very disappointing one, with only their FA Cup dream keeping things from looking totally miserable for Brendan Rodgers’ side. They’ve suffered back-to-back losses in the Premier League -- the first at home to bitter rivals Manchester United; the second a 4-1 drubbing away at Arsenal -- leaving them seven points out of fourth place. Champions League qualification looks ever more unlikely for the Merseysiders.
Liverpool vs. Newcastle 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Liverpool will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League against Newcastle on Monday.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
However, they should at least get back to winning ways at home to Newcastle United on Monday. John Carver’s side have seemingly enough points to keep them from being seriously sucked into the relegation battle, but it’s looking increasingly clear that they’re a bad team with a worse manager. They’ve lost four on the trot, making them the most out-of-form side in the division.
Key player - Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s lively Brazilian attacker Philippe Coutinho can still sometimes frustrate with his love of long-range shooting, but he is looking increasingly the real deal. Still only 22, he’s capable of winning games almost single-handedly, and some careful coaching could be all it takes to turn him into one of the league’s best. Newcastle could well struggle to keep him quiet here.
Key matchup - Liverpool's attack vs. Newcastle's makeshift defence
However, Coutinho's strike partners Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling are both very talented too, and should feast on a shockingly poor Newcastle defence. Fabricio Coloccini's suspension could see right-back Daryl Janmaat forced into the centre alongside Mike Williamson, while pregame predictions have the permanently injured Ryan Taylor and a man who has spent most of the season in the centre of midfield, Jack Colback, as fullbacks. Things could get messy.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jordon Ibe (knee), Martin Skrtel, Steven Gerrard (suspended). In doubt: Adam Lallana (groin), Mamadou Sakho (hamstring), Mario Balotelli (illness).
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Siem de Jong (fitness), Steven Taylor (calf), Paul Dummett, Cheick Tioté, Massadio Haïdara (knee), Jak Alnwick (wrist), Papiss Demba Cissé, Fabricio Coloccini (suspended). In doubt: Daryl Janmaat (calf), Rolando Aarons (thigh).
Liverpool will certainly be without the injured Jordan Ibe and suspended Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard, though Emre Can is back from a ban. Three other regulars face late fitness tests. As for Newcastle, the Magpies continue to struggle with one of the longest injury lists in the entire Premier League. Their problems are compounded by suspensions to star men Papiss Demba Cissé and Fabricio Coloccini, though Daryl Janmaat should shake off a calf injury to play.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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