3 Key Duels To Keep An Eye On – Newcastle vs Liverpool

3 Key battles – Newcastle United vs Liverpool

There has been no other fixture in the history of the Premier League that has seen more goals than Newcastle vs Liverpool. From the heroics of Andy Cole to Stan Collymore and Robbie Fowler to the exploits of Daniel Sturridge, when the Toon Army meet The Kop, strikers have a field day more often than not. Here are 3 Key battles to keep an eye on as Alan Pardew’s Newcastle look to continue their bright recent form by taking on a stuttering Liverpool.

1. Javier Manquillo versus Rolando Aarons

2 youngsters square up against each other in what promises to be a very exciting face off down one flank. Young Manquillo has shown of late what he is all about – defensively solid and ever industrious down the right to support the attack as and when needed. Bacary Sagna will testify that the young Dutchman with flame-like hair is no flash in the pan either. The left footed winger is as tricky as they come, coupled with explosive pace and a keen eye for a goal – Aarons has all that’s required to be a top-quality Premier League winger. The Spanish youngster against the flying Dutch winger promises to be a battle to keep eye on down the Liverpool right and Newcastle left flank.

2. Steven Gerrard versus Jack Colback

The 34 year-old has been successfully marked out of games more than once this season. Coming up against Jack Colback – the ‘Ginger Pirlo’ as Roy Hodgson dubbed him, the Liverpool skipper will have to be at his sharpest. Still undoubtedly the best passer of a football in a Red shirt, it’s a fact that nobody denies that the former England skipper needs a little more time on the ball than he used to pick out those ‘Hollywood Passes’. Having made the switch from Sunderland to Newcastle against all the odds, Colback has proved to be one of the brighter players for Newcastle this term. A tireless worker in midfield with a sweet left foot, Colback is on the verge of getting his deserved England recognition as Hodgson’s search for Gerrard’s replacement continues. Two English midfielders at contrasting stages of their careers, a midfield battle is about to take place at the St. James’ Park.

3. Mario Balotelli versus Fabricio Coloccini

The maverick Italian striker will come up against the veteran Argentine defender making his 200th appearance for the Magpies. Having scored against Swansea on Tuesday, Mario will be high on confidence and eager to add to the goal he scored. The 24 year old Italian will look to get some good form going before the trip to the Bernebeu coming up on Tuesday. With the support of his team-mates and the management, Mario Balotelli will look to repay the faith shown in him against a Newcastle defence led by the 32 year old Coloccini. Fabricio Coloccini will be making his 200th appearance for the Magpies since joining in 2008. After the initial protests from the fans, Pardew and co. have somehow turned the ship around in the recent weeks. A physical battle between centre-back and centre-forward is on the cards at St. James Park.