If Liverpool are to stumble in their pursuit of Manchester City then it would not be completely surprising if it came at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe – with the help of a considerable amount of money – has transformed Newcastle from relegation fodder to the Premier League’s most upwardly mobile team. Four wins on the spin has lifted them to ninth and they are an even tougher proposition at home where they have won their past six. That is unlikely to prove too daunting for a Liverpool side boosted by the news of Jürgen Klopp’s contract extension and who have won 13 of their past 14 in the league – the only blip a 2-2 draw with City – while going unbeaten since 28 December. Stephen Hollis
Saturday 12.30pm BT Sport 1
Venue St James’ Park
Last season Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0
Referee Andre Marriner
This season G17 Y58 R2 3.53 cards/game
Odds H 38-5 A 4-9 D 4-1
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Darlow, Fernández, Lascelles, Dummett, Manquillo, Murphy, Longstaff, Willock, Ritchie, Gayle
Doubtful None
Injured Trippier (foot, 8 May), Wilson (calf, 16 May), Fraser (thigh, uknown), Hayden (knee, unknown), Lewis (groin, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y83 R2
Form LLWWWW
Leading scorer Wilson 6
LIVERPOOL
Subs from Kelleher, Adrián, Pitaluga, Gomez, Konaté, Tsimikas, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Jones, Elliott, Díaz, Minamino, Origi
Doubtful Jones (ill)
Injured Firmino (foot, 7 May)
Suspended None
Discipline Y43 R1
Form WWWDWW
Leading scorer Salah 22
