(Football news) Newcastle United are set to host Liverpool at St. James’ Park in an early kickoff today with both teams in-form and raring to go as the Premier League enters its final chapter. The Magpies have drastically turned their fortunes around through a combination of January transfer signings and the appointment of Eddie Howe along with his coaching staff. The team have quickly gone from relegation threatened to top half contenders and spirits are at an all time high in the North East after winning their last four league games.
In team news, Newcastle are missing Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser and Isaac Hayden. Despite suffering a knock at Carrow Road, Joelinton could be back in the team while Chris Wood could lead the line. The likes of Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar and Jonjo Shelvey could also be reinstated in the starting lineup after being dropped against Norwich and it’s all but certain that nothing but the absolute best from the team will be needed to get any kind of result in this fixture.
As for Liverpool, Roberto Firmino’s foot injury is the only concern for Jurgen Klopp who has an almost fully fit team at his disposal. Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas were absent in their midweek fixture due to illness but are expected to be available today and the likes of Joel Matip, Naby Keita, Diogo Jota as well as Joe Gomez could feature in the team. A win for Liverpool is all but a certainty for this fixture as they need to get the three points to remain in the title race.
Manchester City will look to get one step closer to retaining their Premier League title with a win over Leeds United at Elland Road today. The Citizens recently defeated Real Madrid 4-3 in the Champions League while Leeds were involved in a goalless draw against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The hosts remain 16th on the table, five points away from the relegation zone even though 18th place Everton have a game in hand.
In team news, Leeds will be without Adam Forshaw, Tyler Roberts, Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford due to injuries. Mateusz Klich is expected to feature in midfield alongside Kalvin Phillips while Jack Harrison (who has scored three goals in four appearances) will play on the left flank alongside Raphinha, Rodrigo and Daniel James.
As for City, John Stones and Kyle Walker are currently injured while Joao Cancelo is expected to return to the starting lineup, joining Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the back four. With the 2nd leg of the Champions League semi-final on the horizon, Pep Guardiola may opt to rotate his team with Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish featuring in the starting XI after being benched in the midweek fixture.
Also read: Real Madrid aim to secure 35th La Liga title with 4 games in hand
