- Liverpool is five points out of final Europe position
- Rafa Benitez returns to Anfield
- Newcastle sits 19th on the PL table
Liverpool will host Newcastle at Anfield this Saturday (Watch live, 10:00 a.m. ET on NBCSN and online via Live Extra) as the latter hopes to push itself out of the Premier League relegation battle.
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With Aston Villa already guaranteed a spot in the Championship this fall, Newcastle will likely follow suit. Despite only sitting two points out of safety, the Magpies has won just two of their last 10 PL matches.
[ MORE: Prince-Wright’s PL picks for Week 35 ]
Liverpool comes into this weekend’s match unbeaten in the month of April. A Europa League victory against Bundesliga giant Borussia Dortmund and Merseyside Derby thrashing of Everton has the Reds in prime position to finish strong in the PL.
However, the recent loss of Divock Origi is certainly a blow for the home side, after scoring five goals in the last five matches he featured in for the Reds. Daniel Sturridge and company will need to step up to fill the attacking void left by the Belgian.
What they’re saying
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: “From my point of view, if someone wants to celebrate Rafa Benitez in memory of Istanbul or whatever - he is one of the most successful managers at Liverpool - they are very welcome.”
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez: “Our record against Manchester City was quite negative but we fought with the belief we could get three points. Liverpool will be exactly the same. I know [Liverpool] are doing well. They have a great team, a great manager and the atmosphere is fantastic. But we have to go there and try and get three points because we know that we can do it.”
Prediction
Despite a 2-0 victory in favor of Newcastle back in December, the Reds have been hot as of late, surging to seventh in the Premier League. With the two sides playing on opposite ends of the table, the Magpies are desperate for a victory. Given Liverpool’s form as of late, I think time is running out on Benitez and Newcastle. I see this one finishing 3-1 to Liverpool.