Luis Suarez of Liverpool
The Premier League returns this weekend and with a bang, Newcastle host joint table toppers Liverpool at St James’ Park in a fixture that always serves up goals. Newcastle United registered a morale boosting third win of the season last time out with a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City in Wales.
A first-half brace from on-loan forward Loic Remy was enough to earn the Magpies all three points, but they were made to work for their success after Peter Odemwingie pulled one back for the home side. The result pushed Alan Pardew’s side up to 10th in the table and followed successive defeats at the hands of Everton and Hull City. Loic Remy’s importance to Newcastle was underlined, once more, against Cardiff, with a dominant first-half display. Remy, who is currently on loan from Championship side QPR, was the club’s only arrival this summer, has scored five goals in his last three appearances for the Magpies. Another player looking to have found form is Yohan cabaye. After breathing life into a beleaguered Newcastle with a wonder goal at Everton he once again proved his worth to the Magpies’ cause with a man-of-the-match display against Cardiff. His vision from the middle of the park troubled the home side time and again in the first half, and the Frenchman was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. Partnering Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko is another key component for Newcastle, as they need his energy from midfield to assist the front three. His lung bursting runs have played a key part in victories this season; this emphasises that, when the French midfielder plays well, Newcastle United get a good result. Newcastle have been disappointing at home beating only Fulham, 1-0, drawing 0-0 against West Ham and losing 3-2 to Hull.
High flying Liverpool are coming off an excellent 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard scored the goals as Liverpool moved equal on points and goal difference with Arsenal at the top of the table, but sit second due to scoring three goals less. The Reds, though, will be disappointed by their second-half performance and giving up another goal on a set piece. Brendan Rodgers has the brilliant luxury of having two of the league’s best and most in-form strikers at his disposal. The combination play of Suarez and Sturridge doesn’t get any better. They are going to be a handful for Premier League defenders this season and Newcastle will need to be at their best to stop them. Liverpool have lost just once this season, winning five of their seven matches. The Reds have conceded just five goals and are unbeaten on the road with two wins, against Aston Villa and Sunderland, and a draw at Swansea.
The last encounter between these teams was at this ground last season. Liverpool thumped Newcastle 6-0 with Sturridge getting a brace in the absence of Suarez who was banned at the time. With both these teams you never quite know who will show up on the day. Liverpool have been more consistent and on their day will beat Newcastle at their best. The timing of Suarez’s return has boosted the Reds squad and they are favoured for the win here.
