Newcastle United against Liverpool

A rare chance as Ben Arfa finds Anita and his cross is met by Cisse but Agger tracked the run to block.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Coutinho and Sturridge go off, Suso and Shelvey come on.

Nearly number seven as Sturridge has a shot blocked, then Cisse fires wide.

Sissoko is at least trying - but Cisse can't find him with a return pass.

Only a fantastic save from Elliott prevents Coutinho firing one in the top corner.

Alan Pardew looked genuinely bewildered when the sixth goal went in. He'll do very well to last beyond the summer now.

An aggregate of 9-0 in the last two home games.

The ground is emptying. The only people staying will be doing so to boo at the final whistle.

Newcastle's goal difference is now -23, the same as Wigan's.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Henderson's free kick bypasses everyone and goes straight into the corner. It's six!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> Debuchy with a stupid challenge to pick up his second yellow and reduce Newcastle to ten. Well done you.

Again, so so easy. Liverpool work the ball wide, Downing tricks past Haidara and crosses for Borini who has time to control and then poke into the far corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Borini scores with almost his first touch!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Gerrard goes off, Fabio Borini comes on.

The offside flag saves Newcastle after they give the ball away again.

Where Newcastle go after this is anyone's guess. They need three points from somewhere and they face West Ham and QPR away, before Arsenal at home on the last day of the season.

Cisse has had a stinker. Elliott claims the corner and bowls it out to the striker who knocks it out of play.

The game has slowed to a canter. Newcastle's goal difference only two off Wigan's now.

Sturridge in the clear again but unwisely delays his shot and tries to cut inside allowing Mbiwa to make a challenge.

Sissoko runs at the defence, makes some space for a shot but slips.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Anita replaces Tiote.

Pardew looked on ruefully as the fourth went in. No doubt this is his worst day as Newcastle manager. He's going to get some fearful stick after this.

The stands are rapidly emptying. The home fans have seen enough.

Such a simple goal - Henderson makes a simple run over the top, squares it for Sturridge who taps into an empty net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Sturridge makes it 4-0!

Coutinho was excellent for the third goal, battling hard to win the ball then finding a lovely pass for Sturridge. A great prospect.

When Cabaye is blasting passes out of play you know things are seriously wrong.

This is an exercise in damage limitation now.

Ben Arfa shoots, appeals for handball but though it did Lucas, he was only seven yards away and it was hit with venom.

Ben Arfa fails to offload the ball on his own halfway line, loses it and Liverpool are in, Coutinho finds Sturridge who blasts high into the net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Game over, Sturridge scores.

Awful touch from Cabaye as Debuchy's cross was cleared to the edge of the box. Wasted the chance.

More urgency from Newcastle but no cutting edge and Liverpool dangerous on the counter.

Ben Arfa runs at Liverpool and has lifted the crowd. Then Gouffran gives the ball away. Sturridge nearly profits.

Cabaye swings in a cross, Gouffran heads towards goal but weakly and Reina.

Yanga-Mbiwa does enough to get Sturridge off the ball. There was a tug on the shorts though.

Gouffran and Ben Arfa either side in support of Cisse.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Changes for Newcastle, Gouffran and Ben Arfa come on, Perch and Gutierrez replaced.

Newcastle's Premier League record when 2+ goals down at half-time is W0 D2 L49. Concerning. (Opta).

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0427/danielaggerceleb20130427_275x155.jpg"><br>Daniel Agger celebrates after giving Liverpool the early lead

They have played right into Liverpool's hands and Brendan Rodgers' side have oozed class, knocking the ball about with confidence. One pass is all it takes to open Newcastle up it seems. That is not good enough.

Well, judging by that Newcastle performance, they should thank their lucky stars they already have 37 points. In this form they are still right in the relegation mix.

<b>HALF TIME</b> - Gutierrez runs into Johnson and wins a free kick, there was little in that. Cabaye's free kick is poor and right at Reina. The whistle goes and a chorus of boos greets it. Newcastle woeful, Liverpool neat and tidy.

Tiote and Johnson tangle off camera. Johnson lost the ball land then just grabbed hold of Tiote's leg, Tiote wrestles it free. A talking to.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> A card for Taylor after Sturridge mugged him with a neat turn. What a torrid half for their defence. Tiote and Perch nowhere to be seen.

Newcastle don't so well when trailing at half time - they've not won all season when trailing at the break.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Johnson carded for a challenge on Tiote. Cabaye was late on Henderson and gets a talking to.

Reina claims a corner after Sissoko nodded up in the air. No Newcastle challenge on the keeper.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Gutierrez gets a yellow for holding back Sturridge after Cabaye gave the ball away.

Debuchy's cross claimed by Reina.

That was an ideal chance for the home side to get back in the game. How Perch missed only he will know.

What a miss! Haidara with a fantastic ball in, Perch heads wide from six yards out. It missed by a mile. That is laughable.

Zero penetration from the home side. Probably the easiest half hour of football Liverpool have had this season.

Very little in the way of quality passing in the final third. Cisse either offside all the time or struggling to win an aerial ball.

A rare spell of possession for Newcastle at Liverpool's end but it comes to nothing.

Gerrard again causing problems, cutting inside Haidara, Cabaye concedes another corner.

Gerrard with time and space to cross. Taylor clears behind.

This is an even worse Newcastle performance than the derby and that is saying something.

15 yards worth of space for Gerrard to strike on goal. He sends it wide.

Liverpool should have made it three - a gaping hole in Newcastle's defence not spotted as Henderson was in acres of space.

Now Gutierrez fires over from the edge of the box.

The crowd are right on Newcastle's back here too as Gutierrez misplaces a pass. Hatem Ben Arfa's name already being sung.

One pass is undoing Newcastle here, one pass.

and if they don't get the next goal, realistically before half time, this could get seriously ugly.

Frankly, Newcastle have been embarrassing.

Coutinho claiming an elbow from Tiote when all he got was an accidental brush. That's embarrassing.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Then Sturridge and Debuchy shove each other. Stupidity. Both get cards.

Tiote messing around with it in the centre circle and nearly gifts Liverpool a third.

Superb football from Liverpool, Sturridge to Coutinho, a return ball puts the striker through and he tees up Henderson to tap into an empty net. Too easy.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Henderson doubles the lead!

Tiote's distribution has been woeful so far.

The officials are getting plenty of stick - a 50/50 between Enrique and Debuchy is adjudged a Liverpool free kick.

Inevitable "He bites who he wants," chants from the home support.

Liverpool very silky in possession and playing their way out of any pressing Newcastle attempt.

Johnson gets down the right and finds Sturridge, who looked level. Flag goes up.

An open game but Newcastle in trouble whenever they lose the ball. Playing a high line. Dangerous.

Agger heads forward again but shoves Debuchy and gives away a free kick. French defender did well there.

Tiote fouls Sturridge. Newcastle trying to press high but not getting it right.

Sissoko puts the ball in from wide but Reina is out to claim.

Henderson nearly right through the middle there as Coutinho eases past Tiote. Liverpool looking menacing.

Sissoko robs Enrique of the ball but Lucas tidies up and wins a goal kick. Better from Newcastle. It could hardly have been worse.

What an awful start from Newcastle - nervy, disorganised. Reeling. Liverpool looking slick.

Well that was predictable - Liverpool penned Newcastle in, Gerrard's ball finds Agger completely free and he flicks it over Elliott.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Agger scoes!

Newcastle all over the place here, overlap on the right, Gerrard pulls it back and Debuchy clears hurriedly.

Yanga-Mbiwa with a vital interception to prevent Coutinho's ball finding Sturridge.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

The teams are out to a sunny St James' Park. There have been some classics between these two over the years, the 4-3's of course, but last season was pretty tasty, Pepe Reina being sent off and Jose Enrique going in goal, much to the hilarity of the home fans.

Here is <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/preview/345552/preview.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">Kristian Heneage on that very topic</a>. Some ideal pre-match reading.

Liverpool look destined to finish the season in seventh spot and they now sit eight points behind Merseyside rivals Everton. How will they cope in their first game without Luis Suarez?

So, Tottenham's equaliser against Wigan has done Newcastle a huge favour. Should they win tonight they will take a giant leap towards safety and hit the magical 40-point mark.

<b>Liverpool: </b> Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Carragher, Agger, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Downing, Coutinho, Sturridge. Subs: Jones, Coates, Skrtel, Wisdom, Suso, Shelvey, Borini.

<b>Newcastle:</b> Elliot, Debuchy, S Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Haidara, Perch, Tiote, Cabaye, Sissoko, Cisse, Gutierrez. Subs: Harper, Williamson, Gosling, Anita, Ben Arfa, Gouffran, Sh Ameobi.

<b>ESPN FC will bring you LIVE minute-by-minute commentary of Newcastle v Liverpool, which kicks off at 17.30 BST. Team news to follow.</b>

The offside flag saves Newcastle after they give the ball away again.

Where Newcastle go after this is anyone's guess. They need three points from somewhere and they face West Ham and QPR away, before Arsenal at home on the last day of the season.

Cisse has had a stinker. Elliott claims the corner and bowls it out to the striker who knocks it out of play.

The game has slowed to a canter. Newcastle's goal difference only two off Wigan's now.

Sturridge in the clear again but unwisely delays his shot and tries to cut inside allowing Mbiwa to make a challenge.

Sissoko runs at the defence, makes some space for a shot but slips.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Anita replaces Tiote.

Pardew looked on ruefully as the fourth went in. No doubt this is his worst day as Newcastle manager. He's going to get some fearful stick after this.

The stands are rapidly emptying. The home fans have seen enough.

Such a simple goal - Henderson makes a simple run over the top, squares it for Sturridge who taps into an empty net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Sturridge makes it 4-0!

Coutinho was excellent for the third goal, battling hard to win the ball then finding a lovely pass for Sturridge. A great prospect.

When Cabaye is blasting passes out of play you know things are seriously wrong.

This is an exercise in damage limitation now.

Ben Arfa shoots, appeals for handball but though it did Lucas, he was only seven yards away and it was hit with venom.

Ben Arfa fails to offload the ball on his own halfway line, loses it and Liverpool are in, Coutinho finds Sturridge who blasts high into the net.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Game over, Sturridge scores.

Awful touch from Cabaye as Debuchy's cross was cleared to the edge of the box. Wasted the chance.

More urgency from Newcastle but no cutting edge and Liverpool dangerous on the counter.

Ben Arfa runs at Liverpool and has lifted the crowd. Then Gouffran gives the ball away. Sturridge nearly profits.

Cabaye swings in a cross, Gouffran heads towards goal but weakly and Reina.

Yanga-Mbiwa does enough to get Sturridge off the ball. There was a tug on the shorts though.

Gouffran and Ben Arfa either side in support of Cisse.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Changes for Newcastle, Gouffran and Ben Arfa come on, Perch and Gutierrez replaced.

Newcastle's Premier League record when 2+ goals down at half-time is W0 D2 L49. Concerning. (Opta).

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0427/danielaggerceleb20130427_275x155.jpg"><br>Daniel Agger celebrates after giving Liverpool the early lead

They have played right into Liverpool's hands and Brendan Rodgers' side have oozed class, knocking the ball about with confidence. One pass is all it takes to open Newcastle up it seems. That is not good enough.

Well, judging by that Newcastle performance, they should thank their lucky stars they already have 37 points. In this form they are still right in the relegation mix.

<b>HALF TIME</b> - Gutierrez runs into Johnson and wins a free kick, there was little in that. Cabaye's free kick is poor and right at Reina. The whistle goes and a chorus of boos greets it. Newcastle woeful, Liverpool neat and tidy.

Tiote and Johnson tangle off camera. Johnson lost the ball land then just grabbed hold of Tiote's leg, Tiote wrestles it free. A talking to.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> A card for Taylor after Sturridge mugged him with a neat turn. What a torrid half for their defence. Tiote and Perch nowhere to be seen.

Newcastle don't so well when trailing at half time - they've not won all season when trailing at the break.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Johnson carded for a challenge on Tiote. Cabaye was late on Henderson and gets a talking to.

Reina claims a corner after Sissoko nodded up in the air. No Newcastle challenge on the keeper.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Gutierrez gets a yellow for holding back Sturridge after Cabaye gave the ball away.

Debuchy's cross claimed by Reina.

That was an ideal chance for the home side to get back in the game. How Perch missed only he will know.

What a miss! Haidara with a fantastic ball in, Perch heads wide from six yards out. It missed by a mile. That is laughable.

Zero penetration from the home side. Probably the easiest half hour of football Liverpool have had this season.

Very little in the way of quality passing in the final third. Cisse either offside all the time or struggling to win an aerial ball.

A rare spell of possession for Newcastle at Liverpool's end but it comes to nothing.

Gerrard again causing problems, cutting inside Haidara, Cabaye concedes another corner.

Gerrard with time and space to cross. Taylor clears behind.

This is an even worse Newcastle performance than the derby and that is saying something.

15 yards worth of space for Gerrard to strike on goal. He sends it wide.

Liverpool should have made it three - a gaping hole in Newcastle's defence not spotted as Henderson was in acres of space.

Now Gutierrez fires over from the edge of the box.

The crowd are right on Newcastle's back here too as Gutierrez misplaces a pass. Hatem Ben Arfa's name already being sung.

One pass is undoing Newcastle here, one pass.

and if they don't get the next goal, realistically before half time, this could get seriously ugly.

Frankly, Newcastle have been embarrassing.

Coutinho claiming an elbow from Tiote when all he got was an accidental brush. That's embarrassing.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Then Sturridge and Debuchy shove each other. Stupidity. Both get cards.

Tiote messing around with it in the centre circle and nearly gifts Liverpool a third.

Superb football from Liverpool, Sturridge to Coutinho, a return ball puts the striker through and he tees up Henderson to tap into an empty net. Too easy.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Henderson doubles the lead!

Tiote's distribution has been woeful so far.

The officials are getting plenty of stick - a 50/50 between Enrique and Debuchy is adjudged a Liverpool free kick.

Inevitable "He bites who he wants," chants from the home support.

Liverpool very silky in possession and playing their way out of any pressing Newcastle attempt.

Johnson gets down the right and finds Sturridge, who looked level. Flag goes up.

An open game but Newcastle in trouble whenever they lose the ball. Playing a high line. Dangerous.

Agger heads forward again but shoves Debuchy and gives away a free kick. French defender did well there.

Tiote fouls Sturridge. Newcastle trying to press high but not getting it right.

Sissoko puts the ball in from wide but Reina is out to claim.

Henderson nearly right through the middle there as Coutinho eases past Tiote. Liverpool looking menacing.

Sissoko robs Enrique of the ball but Lucas tidies up and wins a goal kick. Better from Newcastle. It could hardly have been worse.

What an awful start from Newcastle - nervy, disorganised. Reeling. Liverpool looking slick.

Well that was predictable - Liverpool penned Newcastle in, Gerrard's ball finds Agger completely free and he flicks it over Elliott.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Agger scoes!

Newcastle all over the place here, overlap on the right, Gerrard pulls it back and Debuchy clears hurriedly.

Yanga-Mbiwa with a vital interception to prevent Coutinho's ball finding Sturridge.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

The teams are out to a sunny St James' Park. There have been some classics between these two over the years, the 4-3's of course, but last season was pretty tasty, Pepe Reina being sent off and Jose Enrique going in goal, much to the hilarity of the home fans.

Here is <a href="http://espnfc.com/uk/en/preview/345552/preview.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739" target="_blank">Kristian Heneage on that very topic</a>. Some ideal pre-match reading.

Liverpool look destined to finish the season in seventh spot and they now sit eight points behind Merseyside rivals Everton. How will they cope in their first game without Luis Suarez?

So, Tottenham's equaliser against Wigan has done Newcastle a huge favour. Should they win tonight they will take a giant leap towards safety and hit the magical 40-point mark.

<b>Liverpool: </b> Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Carragher, Agger, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Downing, Coutinho, Sturridge. Subs: Jones, Coates, Skrtel, Wisdom, Suso, Shelvey, Borini.

<b>Newcastle:</b> Elliot, Debuchy, S Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Haidara, Perch, Tiote, Cabaye, Sissoko, Cisse, Gutierrez. Subs: Harper, Williamson, Gosling, Anita, Ben Arfa, Gouffran, Sh Ameobi.

<b>ESPN FC will bring you LIVE minute-by-minute commentary of Newcastle v Liverpool, which kicks off at 17.30 BST. Team news to follow.</b>