An all important dress rehearsal for the Carabao Cup Final will take place at Anfield tonight. However, it’s much more than that! There’s titles to secure and UEFA Champions League qualifications spots to fight for as Liverpool host Newcastle United at 20:15.

Magpies So Far

Many amongst the Newcastle fanbase believe Eddie Howe has to deliver more this season. Since he guided the Magpies to a Carabao Cup final and a top 4 finish in his first full season in charge they’ve struggled to reach them heights again, until this year. With a Carabao Cup Final on the horizon a trophy could save Eddie Howe his job, if Newcastle miss out on top 4 this season. Currently they sit 6th 2 points adrift of the top 4 with one game in hand. Their league form has been inconsistent losing 3 of their last 5. But they’ve played well on the road winning 4 out of their last 5 Premier League away games.

Inevitable Egyptian

Mohamed Salah will be aiming to score for the Reds in a ninth successive appearance. He already holds the club record of 10. He has scored four goals in his last two Premier League games against Newcastle.

How the Story Goes

Liverpool have been more successful in their all-time meetings with Newcastle, securing 93 victories out of 188 encounters. The Reds are also unbeaten in their last 28 league matches at Anfield against the Magpies. Earlier in the season at St James’ Fabian Schär equalised in stoppage time to salvage a point. Liverpool will look to avenge that result tonight.

Team News

Arne Slot will serve the first game of his two game suspension following his red card at Goodison Park.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is a slight injury concern after suffering facial bruising against Manchester City, but he is expected to be available for selection. Right-back Conor Bradley is still sidelined with a muscle injury, and Joe Gomez is expected to be unavailable for some time.

Sandro Tonali is expected to be involved for Newcastle after returning from injury against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Newcastle could receive a further boost with the potential returns of Sven Botman and Joelinton.

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