Liverpool vs Newcastle United - English Premier League

Liverpool vs Newcastle United
English Premier League, Round 19
Date : 30.December 2011 - 20:45 CET
Stadium: Anfield - Liverpool

On Friday, 30th December at 20:45 (CET), Liverpool FC will host Newcastle United at Anfield for Round 19 of the English Premier League. Big-money signing Andy Carroll will face his former club after failing to fulfill expectations since his 35-million pound move in January.

Andy Carroll will likely face the taunts of fans as all eyes will be on the striker to see what kind of damage he can inflict on his former club. Carroll has scored just five goals for the Reds since his move to Anfield and hasn't made the starting eleven in most recent matches. This will likely change with Luis Suarez facing an eight match ban and the young Geordie will hope to kick off a turn of form against Newcastle. Kenny Dalglish has received a boost ahead of this match with the return of club captain Steven Gerrard, who had been out for months due to a leg injury.

The Magpies successfully ended their drought of wins last weekend with a 0-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. As usual, Demba Ba was on the scoresheet with Hatem Ben Arfa rounding out the win. The victory ended a streak of six winless matches that followed their surprise start to the season. Newcastle is now within four points of the top four and will hope to inflict some damage on Liverpool who have turned out several disappointing results at home this season.

HEAD to HEAD
Last Meeting : 01.05.2011, Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
Wins Liverpool : 65
Wins Newcastle : 39
Draws : 34

RECENT PERFORMANCE
Liverpool - D/D/W/W/L
Newcastle - W/L/D/L/L

POSSIBLE LINE-UP
Liverpool : Reina - Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Johnson, Gerrard, Spearing, Kuyt, Maxi, Bellamy, Carroll.
Newcastle : Krul - Coloccini, R. Taylor, Simpson, Williamson, Gutierrez, Cabaye, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Ba, Best.

BETTING TIP / PREDICTION
Liverpool have drawn five of their last six home matches but with the return of Steven Gerrard against a rival like Newcastle, they should be able to break that run.
Tip : Liverpool to Win (1x2)