Two consecutive league defeats have turned the season around for Liverpool who were destined to land a top four place which is now seemingly slipping away from them. However a Champions League place is still not out of sights, thanks to Man United's big win in the Manchester derby.
This implies that should Liverpool record a victory in their match against Newcastle, they will not only leapfrog Southampton to fifth place but will also close down the gap with City to four points. The Reds sealed a place in the semi-final of the FA Cup last time out, a tie which was settled through a solitary goal from Philippe Coutinho.
Despite of Liverpool's poor run as of late Martin Skrtel is optimistic that the Reds can end the season on a high and has insisted that winning the FA Cup will signify a successful season.
“If there is a chance [to finish in the top four], even a small one, we have to be ready and fight for it,” he said at the unveiling of Liverpool's New Balance home kit for the 2015/16 season.
“The two defeats against United and Arsenal didn’t help us but there are still a few games to play and we have to fight for it.
“The start of the season wasn’t the best because obviously a lot of things changed at the club. A lot of new players came in and we lost [Luis] Suarez which was a big blow.
“After Christmas we’ve been doing well. We had a lot a good of results and we are in fifth-place now. We are still fighting for the Champions League which was the target for the season and in the semi-final for the FA Cup.
“If we can get a trophy, which was one of the targets as well, then we will have finished the season strongly.”
Newcastle on the other hand are in abysmal form having tasted defeats in all of their last four matches including a loss at the hands of Sunderland in the Tyne Wear derby last time out.
Both teams will have a point to prove ahead of the match, but Liverpool will be buoyed by their good form against their counterparts on Monday.
Liverpool will not be able to make use of the services of suspended duo Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel, whereas Adam Lallana is also doubtful for the match. However there is positive news pertaining to the likes of Jordon Ibe and Mario Balotelli who are expected to return.
Newcastle on the other hand have two players suspended as well which includes Papiss Cisse and Fabricio Coloccini. Siem de Jong and Steven Taylor will also be unavailable for the match due to injuries.
Liverpool vs Newcastle United team sheets
Liverpool's First XI: Mignolet, Johnson, Can, Lovren, Moreno, Allen, Lucas, Henderson, Ibe, Coutinho, Sterling
Newcastle United's First XI: Krul, R.Taylor, Janmaat, Williamson, Colback, Anita, Abeid, Sissoko, Cabella, Obertan, Perez.
Liverpool's subs: Jones, Toure, Lambert, Manquillo, Borini, Brannagan, Markovic
Newcastle United's subs: Elliot, Sterry, Gouffran, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Armstong, Riviere.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
