Liverpool have certainly gathered momentum as the season has progressed, and Jürgen Klopp's side will look to continue their late flourish at home to struggling Newcastle United on Saturday. The match's dominant narrative is that of the Anfield return of former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez, who was given the tough task of keeping Newcastle in the Premier League a few weeks ago.
Liverpool vs. Newcastle 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Rafael Benítez will return to Anfield as Newcastle United manager on Saturday.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
After a shaky start, Benítez's side have hit their stride over the last couple of weeks, thrashing Swansea City 3-0 before holding Champions League challengers Manchester City to a draw. It means they're now only a couple of points adrift of Norwich City and safety, with the exciting relegation dogfight set to go right down to the wire. Benítez will doubtless be hoping for a few favors from his old club on Saturday.
Key player: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
The rise of young Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho is continuing apace. His goal in their 4-0 thrashing of Merseyside rivals Everton on the weekend ensured he's now scored five in his last six matches, and is beginning to establish himself among the real stars of the Premier League. Without him, Liverpool would certainly be a worse team, and they'll be hoping for another big performance in this match.
Recent history
The last four meetings between these sides have been won by the home team, with an away side having not won since Liverpool thrashed Newcastle 6-0 at St. James' Park back in April 2013. You've got to go all the way back to April 1994 for the last time the Magpies masterminded a win over Liverpool -- that season they finished behind only Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers in the top flight table.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Joe Gomez, Danny Ings, Christian Benteke, Jordan Henderson (knee); Jordan Rossiter (hamstring); Emre Can, Divock Origi (ankle); Martin Škrtel (groin). In doubt: None.
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Tim Krul, Massadio Haïdara, Rob Elliott (knee); Kevin Mbabu (thigh); Fabricio Coloccini (calf); Daryl Janmaat (groin); Steven Taylor (unspecified muscular injury). In doubt: None.
Liverpool and Newcastle both continue to occupy unfortunate positions near the top of the Premier League’s injury table, with Klopp and Benítez both having to do without a host of first-team regulars. However, the only addition to either side’s list of absentees is that of Liverpool striker Origi, who picked up a knock to his ankle in their Merseyside derby victory in midweek.
Match date/time: Sat., April 23, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); TSN (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); TSN live streaming (Canada)
See More:
