Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will be eyeing an upset as Newcastle travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
This Saturday’s late kick-off will see Newcastle make the trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The sides have experienced contrasting fortunes this season so far, with Newcastle struggling to re-adapt back to life in England’s top flight.
Benitez will return to the stadium where he spent six years, and will be hopeful of inspiring a strong performance from his team which could see them record a second victory of top four opponents in the space of three weeks.
The rediscovery of form for individuals such as Dwight Gayle (who scored a double in the draw against against Bournemouth last week) and Mo Diame, coupled with the reinforcement of Martin Dubravka at the back, have handed Newcastle a massive boost going into the last 10 games of the season.
If they can get a fit Islam Slimani back and firing in the last month or two of the league campaign, Newcastle will surely retain their Premier League status.
First and foremost, however, Newcastle will be looking to cause an upset an Anfield, which may sound difficult, but with a man who knows the stadium and club better than most, Benitez could be the perfect tactician to pull a win out the bag against The Reds.
Jamal Lascelles and his defensive partner – Ciaran Clark or Florian Lejeune – will have a huge role to play in keeping Liverpool’s deadly front three at bay, but if they can hold tight and nick a goal like they did against Manchester United, Newcastle may get something from the game.
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