Liverpool vs. Newcastle: Half-Time Update

The hotly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Newcastle has reached half-time where, at a sun drenched Anfield, the Reds lead the Magpies 1-0.

Former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll has not been risked for the game ahead of kick-off, with Reds manager Kenny Dalglish preferring to keep him benched as he returns from a knee injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal. He may make an appearance later in the game to help his side collect three vital points, which would see them jump above Tottenham in the Premier League standings.

Dalglish’s men, who have taken 27 points from their last 13 games, scored the opening goal of the game after just nine minutes – a picture perfect cross from teenage full-back Flanagan has only half-cleared by the Toon defence. The loose ball eventually fell to Maxi, who slotted home via the left arm of Danny Simpson.

Maxi, who netted an impressive hat-trick in the 5-0 thumping of Birmingham, is making his 50th Liverpool appearance today.

A counter-attack on the half-hour mark could have resulted in the Reds doubling their lead, but after a good build-up, Dirk Kuyt couldn’t find enough room to get the shot away, and Newcastle defender Jose Enrique was able to clear.

Newcastle’s players are not willing to let this game pass them by, and at times in the first half were able to maintain possession and create a few opportunities of their own. Joey Barton has had a handful of corners and free-kicks that have been causing trouble in the Liverpool 18-yard box.

One particular corner was drawn short to Kevin Nolan, who hit a first-time effort straight into the Kop.

The Reds have beaten Newcastle 19 times in since the beginning of the Premier League, a string of results that also includes an unbeaten home run of 15 games.

The team news beforehand included the starting role for defender Jamie Carragher, who makes his 665th appearance in a Liverpool shirt, moving into joint second place in the Reds' all-time appearance list alongside club legends Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence.

Full-back Glen Johnson makes a long-awaited return to the Liverpool team sheet, resulting in teenager Jack Robinson dropping to the bench.

Newcastle started unchanged from the side that drew with Blackpool last weekend.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Lucas, Spearing, Maxi, Meireles, Kuyt, Suarez

Substitutes: Gulacsi, Kyrgiakos, Robinson, Cole, Shelvey, Carroll, Ngog

Newcastle: Krul, Coloccini, Simpson, Williamson, Jose Enrique, Nolan, Barton, Gutierrez, Tiote, Lovenkrands, Ameobi

Substitutes: Harper, Perch, Taylor, Taylor, Ferguson, Ranger, Kuqi