Liverpool were hopeful that record-signing Andy Carroll would be fit to face his old club. The £35-million-man had missed last weekend’s game against Birmingham with a knee injury. Jack Robinson had also come off with cramp in that match, but was fit enough to make the bench.

36-year-old Steve Harper returned to the Newcastle squad after overcoming a knee problem. Kevin Nolan was also back in contention after recovering from a muscle strain. Stephen Ireland remained sidelined, as did Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg fracture), Danny Guthrie (shin), Leon Best (ankle), Dan Gosling (knee) and Alan Smith (ankle).

Newcastle scored with all three of their shots on target when the sides met earlier on in the season at St James’s Park. Andy Carroll scored a goal and had an assist.

Dirk Kuyt had scored four goals in his previous six Premier League starts against Newcastle. He is also in form, with seven goals in his last six games. Cheik Tioté, meanwhile, has 12 yellow cards in 21 appearances.

Liverpool have won 13 and drawn two of their last 15 home matches against the Toon, and indeed have only lost one of their last 13 at Anfield in the league this season. By contrast Newcastle have won just two of their last 13 Premier League matches, home or away.

Does the good weather historically affect both sides – Liverpool average fewer points than any of the so-called “Big Four” in May, while Newcastle have only ever won 11 out of 41 fixtures.

First Half

Dalglish made only one change from the side that thrashed Birmingham 5-0 last week. The now-fit Glen Johnson went to left back, replacing Robinson. Maxi continued in the left-midfield spot, hoping to score another goal or two and keep his good run going. Newcastle were unchanged from the match against Blackpool.

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