Reds ease past Newcastle to move into 5th spot

Liverpool continued their strong run of form under Kenny Dalglish with a comfortable 3-0 win over Newcastle at Anfield.

Liverpool came into the match knowing a win would move them up into 5th, ahead of Tottenham after their 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge Saturday afternoon. Goals from Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez sealed the three points and ensured Liverpool moved into the final European qualification place.

Liverpool started well and were rewarded with a goal from Maxi, 10 minutes in, as it took a deflection off a Newcastle defender and into Tim Krul's net. Kuyt stretched Liverpool's advantage just after the break by slotting home from the spot.

 Man of the match, Luis Suarez, made sure of all 3 points when he took his goal well after playing a few passes with Dirk Kuyt and gliding the ball under the diving Krul from 10 yards out.

Andy Carroll, who didn't start, came on with 20 minutes left to play in front of angry Newcastle supports who where left disappointed after his departure. The only thing that was missing, from Liverpool's impressive 3-0 victory over Newcastle, was Andy Carroll's name on the score sheet against his former club.

Despite Newcastle's advantage in possession, they couldn't create any chances to trouble the Liverpool goal. Pepe Reina only had one save to deal with all afternoon as Newcastle couldn't find the target.

Liverpool now look to be favorites to take the final European place despite Tottenham's game in hand.

Expected team sheets for Liverpool vs. Newcastle

Liverpool find themselves 3 points behind Tottenham for 5th spot and Europa League qualification and are expected to field a strong team for their tie with Newcastle this Sunday.

Newcastle won the reverse of this fixture back in October with a 3-1 victory. New Liverpool player Andy Carroll was on the score sheet for Newcastle that day.

Liverpool

Subs from Gulacsi, Rodríguez, Poulsen, Kyrgiakos, Cole, Ngog, Hansen, Wilson, Shelvey, Sterling, Coady, Jovanovic

Doubtful Carroll (knee)

Injured Johnson (hamstring, 9 May), Aurélio (hamstring, 15 May), Gerrard (groin, Aug), Kelly (hamstring, unknown), Agger (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide WDWLWW

Disciplinary record Y57 R2

Leading scorer Carroll 13

Newcastle

Subs from Harper, Sodferberg, Kuqi, R Taylor, S Taylor, Campbell, Perch, Ferguson, Ranger, Tavernier, Vuckic

Doubtful Harper (knee), Nolan (leg)

Injured Ben Arfa (broken leg, 7 May), Guthrie (shin, 7 May), Gosling (knee, 22 May), Best (ankle, Aug), Ireland (ankle, Aug), Smith (ankle, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide DDLWLL

Disciplinary record Y72 R2

Leading scorer Nolan 12

Read More http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/29/squad-sheets-liverpool-newcastle-united

Former Newcastle man looks set for reunion

Andy Carroll arrived at Anfield for a massive fee of £35 million and a lot of expectations. Carroll's transfer to the Merseyside club smashed the old club record fee believed to be £26 million for Fernando Torres who, he coincidentally, replaced as Liverpool's number 9.

Andy was unable to make his first appearance for the club until March 6th as a late sub in Liverpool's 3-1 win over rivals Manchester United due to injury. Following a run of 3 games, Carroll scored his first two goals in a Liverpool shirt against Manchester City during Liverpool's 3-0 win at Anfield. This looked to be the kick start Carroll needed but found himself set back once again due to an injury suffered against Arsenal the following week.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is optimistic that his striker will be fit and available for selection this Sunday against former club Newcastle at Anfield.