EPL: Newcastle United v Liverpool preview

Newcastle United v Liverpool preview

Newcastle will look to make it three consecutive home wins over Liverpool, when the two clubs meet at St James' Park on Sunday.

The Magpies won 2-0 over the Reds the last time they were in the Premier League (2015-16 season) and have also claimed victories in their last two home games, against West Ham and Stoke.

Rafa Benitez will face his former club, with which he won the Champions League in 2005, and is unbeaten in all four matches as a manager against Liverpool, with two wins and two draws.

The Spaniard is boosted by the return to the squad of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is available again after suspension, but defender Florian Lejeune faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury. Newcastle are still without injured duo Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara.

Liverpool have lost just one of their six Premier League games so far this term but find themselves outside the top four, after just one win in their last three league fixtures.

Jurgen Klopp though will be delighted to welcome back Sadio Mane after his domestic three-game ban, following his red card at Manchester City, while Joe Gomez also returns after missing the midweek

Champions League game through suspension.

Simon Mignolet is expected to return between the posts after Loris Karius played against Spartak Moscow in midweek, while Klopp will decide between Daniel Sturridge or Roberto Firmino as his central striker.