Both teams would have looked to challenge for the Champions League positions this year and while their forms have slightly picked up, that seems to be not a very realistic possibility.
Brendan Rodgers has to choose between his two goalkeepers today, with Reina probably being fit to play in the match. However, both him and Brad Jones are not in tip top form and I will pick Reina to start the match as he has shown he has the quality to make a difference in matches. The rest of the squad should not throw up much in terms of surprises. As for Alan Pardew, his selection headache is up front, where he might have to do without his injured top scorer Demba Ba. Lucky for him, Cisse finally broke his duck in the last match(though it came off him unknowingly) and that might provide the confidence for him to continue scoring. He should be joined up front by Shola Ameobi, which might just be the physical presence required to unsettle Liverpool's shaky defenders. Anita will also be a good bet to start in midfield, replacing James Perch and giving the Newcastle team a more combative outlook.
The tactical aspect of the game looks set to be most interesting, with Alan Pardew constantly changing his formation between a 3 and 2 men forward line, sometimes in the middle of the match. Liverpool also showed in the Everton game that they have a 3-5-2 trick up their sleeves and that they can pull it off well. Also worth pointing out is the fact that both managers have a variety of options on the bench. The quality of the substitutes might not be very high but the important thing is they offer a different dimension or style for the managers instead of purely being like for like changes to the first eleven. In downing, Rodgers has the option to go for a more attacking full back and the Henderson can be an option on for Suso if he requires greater tracking back by the wingers. Assaidi as an exciting and unpredictable player can also be thrown up if Rodgers run out of ideas. On Pardew's bench, his secret weapon will be Bigirimana, who has really impressed me during his Europa League starts. Another dimension will also be provided by Marveaux, who has recorded the best passing completion rate among Newcastle midfielders and can be relied upon to keep the ball and slow the pace down.
Predictions:
In a match likely to be heavily influenced by the managers' decisions and tactical battles, expect a low scoring affair as both managers try to neutralise each other. One or two goals seem likely in the match, with the tie being decided by a moment of individual brilliance or a set piece. Taking Newcastle on the Asian handicap seems a safe bet and I will also take a small punt on Papiss Cisse scoring first and in the 21st to 45th minute at a cool 25/1.
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