Liverpool take on Newcastle in the Barclays Premier League on Friday evening and the Magpies look to consign the Reds to their first home defeat of the season.

It's no secret that Liverpool have struggled in front of goal at home this campaign on their way to six draws from nine matches and sooner or later they will be punished further if they continue to be so wasteful with chances.

It's all well and good recognising the need to put away more of their opportunities but Liverpool have shown no signs of improvement in the scoring department at home recently.

And with Luis Suarez banned due to the offensive gesture he made to Fulham fans earlier in the month their task is only going to be even more difficult as the controversial Uruguayan is central to everything they do.

Steven Gerrard could start for the first time since the Norwich game in October and that is an obvious positive for the home side

They sit one place and one point behind the Reds in the table after 18 games, thanks in no small part to their excellent away form that has seen them pick up 15 points on the road.

As well as their wins at Bolton, Wolves, Sunderland and Stoke they picked up a point at Old Trafford where, admittedly, fortune was perhaps on their side.

Nevertheless, the attributes that have seen them surprise many this season were there for all to see in that game - especially the excellent form of Tim Krul in goal and Demba Ba up front.

Newcastle have the sixth best defence away from home in the league and in Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye they have a central midfield partnership to match any in the division.

Without Lucas, Liverpool aren't as dominant in midfield and with Gerrard just returning from injury the Reds could be a bit rusty in that department, especially with Charlie Adam struggling for form at present.



Match

Who will carry the day?

35m Andy Carroll or 'Free-of-Charge' Demba Ba. I'll go with the latter.

game on!!

Hoping for a draw or Newcastle victory.

Can't say why Maxi's still on the bench.

chelseabmw:

liverpool vs newsastle= Andy Carrol

= Jose Enrique

The battle for who ends the year 6th. I feel so ANGRY!!

If Maxi was on the pitch, that cross from Enrique would've gone in.

Obertan na dundiee oo , was he expecting a free kick for running into the ref?

GOAL !!!!! 

Vuckic wont be needing a dentist 

Goal! Bellamy!!

Oh !!

Equalizer already  

dang, equalizer!

Carroll's too slow. I'll be happier if even Glen Johnson's in front

i hate liverpool with a passion! Anyone noticed they hardly have any black player on their team??

Abeg oo , where is Fabio Aurelio? Treatment table or has he been sold ?

Liverpool sef, must dey conceive goal.

People that MUST come 2nd half;

- Gerrard
- Maxi

Gerrard is coming, finally!

Tiote is bossing the mid-field.

Demba Ba do ur magic ****

Carroll is just stu.pid! See sweet cross from Gerrard!

Carroll Your FATHER!!

Carroll   , a  waste of money and a beautiful assist pass.

I love Gerrard being on the pitch. Every touch is SWEET!!!

Choi, see goal.

Goal! Bellamy again!!!

Ba

Skretel 

Unfortunately, we would have gone for Demba Ba instead of Carroll. Look at that ball.

oh noooooo, Baaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Gerrard is too good! See wicked long passes!! If only we had a STRIKER!!!!

Please Gerrard, keep pumping those crosses in from that right wing, I beg you!