Liverpool return to action against Newcastle United after a turbulent week where they entered and then swiftly withdrew from the European Super League.
Jurgen Klopp was forced into an awkward position at Elland Road, where the champions conceded a lead to draw against Leeds, though Chelsea’s draw to Brighton keeps them right in the mix for a top four finish.
That, of course, now matters given the Reds will need to qualify for the Champions League next season due to the now doomed ESL.
LIVE BLOG: Follow Liverpool vs Newcastle
This game could be trickier than anticipated due to Steve Bruce’s side pulling off back-to-back wins against Burnley and West Ham, with the latter helping out the Reds in the battle for a top four finish.
Here’s everything you need to know before the match.
When is the match?
The game kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, 24 April.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be televised live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, coverage starts at 11:30 BST.
What is the team news?
Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson remain long-term absences, with Nat Phillips set to miss out with a hamstring problem that forced him out of the Leeds game. Curtis Jones could return after nearing a full recovery from a muscle injury.
Mohamed Salah should return to the XI after starting on the bench at Elland Road, which means Roberto Firmino or Diogo Jota could miss out from the start here.
Bruce is still without Jamaal Lascelles (foot), Isaac Hayden (knee), Karl Darlow (knee) and Ryan Fraser (groin), with Fabian Schar (knee) a big doubt. Callum Wilson “perfectly OK” and Allan Saint-Maximin also passed fit after picking up an ankle injury.
Confirmed line ups
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Kabak, Robertson, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Salah, Jota, Mane, Firmino
Newcastle: Dubravka, Murphy, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie, Sean Longstaff, Shelvey, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton
Prediction
Newcastle have that edge now and look primed to survive after their recent run of three games unbeaten and back-to-back wins. But Liverpool need this more given Steve Bruce’s side have an eight-point cushion and a game in hand over Fulham, so we’ll lean towards Liverpool to get back to winning ways after a turbulent week. Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle.
Odds
Liverpool: 1/5
Draw: 5/1
Newcastle: 10/1
