Newcastle v. Liverpool Preview

by Charles Ong - Contributing Writer

Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe

Newcastle v Liverpool
When: 11th December 2010, Saturday, 17:30 GMT
Where: St James' Park

Resurgent Liverpool travel next to St James' Park with renewed vigour and confidence on the back of 2 consecutive 3-0 home wins against West Ham and Aston Villa. Erratic away form have hampered the Reds' progress thus far this season, and the Reds will be looking to bounce back from a luckless 1-2 defeat against Spurs during their last away outing.

Such was the dominance in the previous game that Liverpool could afford to breathe easy just after 15 minutes. Villa were sub-par at best, the Reds never needed to step up a gear and the game was all but over before the hour mark.

Liverpool could continue furthering their ascent up their table, and the  crux of the matter is that 3 points is so essential to push for that  ever-elusive Champions League spot. As Liverpool enters the festive  period, there should be no let-up in terms of performance. Failure to  win again - would mean that the hard work against Villa would all be  undone.

Over at the other end, Newcastle's fans were rocked by the imminent sacking of manager Chris Hughton. Mike Ashley's decision is all the more bizarre as Newcastle sit pretty in mid-table, given that they were just newly promoted from the Championship this season. Hughton has done a magnificent job with his limited resources, and perhaps this is the perfect time to face a club shrouded with political instability.

Alan Pardew is expected to be named the new manager in the next 48 hours. He faces a mammoth task of improving Newcastle's fortunes of late, given they picked up just 2 points in the last 5 EPL games.

Fernando Torres would be refreshed and raring to go, having been given time off to witness the birth of his newborn baby. Steven Gerrard could be fit for this clash, but my gut feeling is Gerrard will start from the bench as a probable precaution.

Expected LFC Lineup - Reina (c), Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky, Kuyt, Lucas, Meireles, Maxi, Ngog, Torres.

Liverpool's form (Last 5 EPL games): DLWLW
Newcastle's form (Last 5 EPL games): LDLDL

Head to Head:
Played: 32
Liverpool: 19
Draw: 6
Newcastle: 7
No of Liverpool's goals: 66
No of Newcastle's goals: 35

In the last corresponding fixture, Liverpool thrashed Newcastle 5-1 in a resounding manner.

Prediction
Liverpool 2 - 0 Newcastle

Liverpool v. Aston Villa Preview

by Charles Ong - Contributing Writer

Photo: Action Images

Liverpool v Aston Villa

When: 6th December 2010, Monday, 8pm GMT
Where: Anfield

As former manager Gerard Houllier prepares to return to Anfield, he can expect a warm reception from the home faithful whom he served with distinction over 7 years. However, Liverpool fans will be hoping that the Reds can continue their ascent towards the summit of the EPL table. After an unfortunate away defeat at Spurs, the majority of Liverpool stars were rested in preparation for Monday's clash against the Villans.

The Reds will be counting on home comforts to see them through. After a disastrous start to the season which saw Liverpool languishing in the relegation zone for more than a month, Liverpool have clawed their way up to mid-table and will hope to build on that.

On Thursday, Hodgson's side got through to the knockout rounds of the Europa League after a 1-1 draw with Steaua. Pepe Reina, who stood in as Captain in the absence of Gerrard and Carragher, can be expected to take the armband for this crucial home clash.

Failure to win would mean Liverpool would possibly be a devastating 10 points behind Man City, who currently occupy the final berth in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, a morale-damaging defeat against arch rivals Birmingham in mid-week have left the Villans reeling. They are hoping to bounce back against Liverpool after 3 successive defeats, that against Blackburn, Arsenal and Birmingham.

This is a hotly-anticipated clash which is billed as a must win for both sides. Liverpool's 12th man needs to come into full voice to spearhead the players into a solid performance. Ultimately though, the onus lies on the players' shoulders to put in a shift capable of getting Liverpool the 3 points.

Expected Liverpool line-up: Reina (c), Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky, Maxi, Lucas, Meireles, Kuyt, Ngog, Torres.

Liverpool's form (Last 5 EPL games): WDLWL
Villa's form (Last 5 EPL games): DWDLL

Head to Head EPL record:
Played: 36
Liverpool: 19
Draw: 8
Villa: 9
No of Liverpool's goals: 59
No of Villa's goals: 35

Prediction
Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 1