Liverpool’s Andy Carroll Fit for Newcastle Reunion

One of the most exciting ties in Premier League history returns to Anfield after a season long absence, as Liverpool and Newcastle meet in a fixture that never fails to provide goals.

In the last six meetings between the two sides there have been at least three goals per match, but with both clubs having striker changes over the course of the season, and both wanting to secure highest positions possible as the season draws to a close, we may see more defence-minded tactics from either manager.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is hopeful striker Andy Carroll will be back to match fitness in time to face his former employers. England international Carroll missed the 5-0 win over Birmingham with a knee injury picked up two weeks ago, but could be back to face the club he left in January.

Dalglish was blunt in his midweek press conference about the £35m strikers’ chances.

“If he's not fit, he's not fit. For Andy it is a poignant game but if he's not fit we can't do anything about that.”

If Carroll does not pass a late fitness test, he will sit out the match alongside other injured teammates including Daniel Agger (knee), Steven Gerrard (groin), Fabio Aurelio and Martin Kelly (both hamstring).

Defender Glen Johnson has recovered from injury, but may not be picked due to a lack of match practice. Teenage full-back Jack Robinson is likely to start instead.

For 11th placed Newcastle, goalkeeper Steve Harper returns to full fitness but may not shift Tim Krul from between the sticks. The young Dutch shot-stopper played in the Magpies last two games, including the 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

Alan Pardew’s first game in charge of Newcastle United was the 3-1 win at St James' Park earlier this season. The Magpies boss will want his side to return to winning ways, to keep them in the top half of the Premier League. An unprecedented double over the Merseyside club for the first time since the 93/94 season would do wonders to make that a possibility.

Pardew will however, have doubts over the fitness of club Captain Kevin Nolan, who may play through the pain of a groin strain, especially as the club have lost on-loan midfielder Stephen Ireland for the remainder of the season.

Three points for Liverpool would seriously boost their European push, but it would also be their 50th league win in 75 games against the Magpies at Anfield.

Form
Premier League:

Liverpool: WLWDW (12 goals for, 3 against)
Newcastle: LWLDD (5 goals for, 7 against)

Premier League 10/11:

Newcastle United 3-1 Liverpool