Newcastle United have the chance to go two points within fourth place of the Premier League with a victory over Liverpool at the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday.

The Magpies, who currently sit eight points clear of their Merseyside opponents, are likely to field Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse up front, with James Perch coming in for Fabricio Coloccini in defence.

Alan Pardew is expected to start Hatem Ben Arfa in midfield following the playmaker's impressive performance during Newcastle's 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion last weekend.

Meanwhile, Kenny Dalglish has not put Andy Carroll in the first XI for the Reds' last two fixtures, but the Geordie frontman could start against his former club, with Martin Kelly possibly returning to the fold following his injury.

Current form:

Newcastle: LDDLWW
Liverpool: LLWWLL

Possible lineups:

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Perch, Williamson, Santon; Gutierrez, Guthrie, Cabaye, Ben Arfa; Cisse, Ba

Liverpool: Reina; Enrique, Skrtel, Carragher, Kelly; Downing, Spearing, Gerrard, Kuyt; Carroll, Suarez

Sports Mole says: 1-1