Newcastle v Liverpool: match preview

If Liverpool are to stumble in their pursuit of Manchester City then it would not be completely surprising if it came at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe – with the help of a considerable amount of money – has transformed Newcastle from relegation fodder to the Premier League’s most upwardly mobile team. Four wins on the spin has lifted them to ninth and they are an even tougher proposition at home where they have won their past six. That is unlikely to prove too daunting for a Liverpool side boosted by the news of Jürgen Klopp’s contract extension and who have won 13 of their past 14 in the league – the only blip a 2-2 draw with City – while going unbeaten since 28 December. Stephen Hollis

Saturday 12.30pm BT Sport 1

Venue St James’ Park

Last season Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0

Referee Andre Marriner

This season G17 Y58 R2 3.53 cards/game

Odds H 38-5 A 4-9 D 4-1

Subs from Darlow, Fernández, Lascelles, Dummett, Manquillo, Murphy, Longstaff, Willock, Ritchie, Gayle

Doubtful None

Injured Trippier (foot, 8 May), Wilson (calf, 16 May), Fraser (thigh, uknown), Hayden (knee, unknown), Lewis (groin, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y83 R2

Form LLWWWW

Leading scorer Wilson 6

Subs from Kelleher, Adrián, Pitaluga, Gomez, Konaté, Tsimikas, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Jones, Elliott, Diaz, Minamino, Origi

Doubtful Jones (ill)

Injured Firmino (foot, 7 May)

Suspended None

Discipline Y43 R1

Form WWWDWW

Leading scorer Salah 22