Alan Shearer believes Rafa Benitez "will not want to give Liverpool anything" when Newcastle United host the title-chasing Reds at St James' Park next month.
The Reds are in a fierce Premier League title race with Manchester City, who they trail by a solitary point with three games remaining.
Some Liverpool fans have suggested that, now Newcastle are mathematically safe following their 3-1 win over Southampton last Saturday, Benitez would be willing to do his former club a favour.
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It is likely that Liverpool will need to win all three of their remaining fixtures against Huddersfield Town, Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers if they are going to stand any chance of claiming their first title in 29 years.
Benitez, who agonisingly missed out on winning the Premier League for the Anfield club during the 2008/09 season as they were pipped by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, still maintains an excellent relationship with Liverpool fans, as well as a deep affection for the Reds.
But Benitez stressed earlier this week that he is a "professional", and therefore wants to manage Newcastle to victory in every game he can, regardless of the opposition and what is at stake for them.
However, the 59-year-old knows he will face criticism from a section of Liverpool fans if he ruins their title dreams, while some Man City supporters may accuse the Spaniard of aiding the Reds' trophy bid if Newcastle lose - and 'That is a game I can't win': Rafa Benitez on his dilemma for Newcastle's rearranged Liverpool clash on a personal level.
Magpies legend Shearer does not support the theory that Benitez will be looking to do his former club a favour, though, and expects the Spaniard to send out a team determined to win when Newcastle host Liverpool at St James' Park on May 4 - a fixture which was initially switched to the Sunday for TV, but has reverted back to a 7.45pm kick-off on the Saturday so it can be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Speaking to Premier League Today following Man City's 2-0 derby victory over Manchester United on Wednesday evening, Shearer said: “It is going to be very difficult for Liverpool to win the Premier League title now.
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“Manchester City have won 11 games on the spin now and I think they will go on to win it; they will probably win all three of their remaining games. That in itself tells you the standard of football that we have witnessed over this season.
“To have to win their last 14 games with a total of 98 points to win the title and Liverpool will do the same shows you.
“The one game that you would look for Liverpool is Newcastle, because it is in between the [twos legs of their] Champions League semi-final [against Barcelona].
“And I keep hearing people saying that well Rafa Benitez will want Liverpool to win the league. Believe me, Rafa will not want to give Liverpool anything.”
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