Sturridge’s super scoring record should take Liverpool past Newcastle

Newcastle United have won one in eight Premier League games going into a cross-country trip to Anfield. Couple that with their last victory at Liverpool being almost 21 years ago, and the Magpies’ massive price of 8/1 with Coral to upset the Reds is entirely justified.

Brendan Rodgers has had damaging defeats of his own recently, losing back-to-back league outings to Manchester United and Arsenal, but his Liverpool side are odds-on 4/11 favourites to beat the travelling Toon.

The Reds’ great home record in this fixture is firmly backed up by the scoring exploits of England striker Daniel Sturridge, who has six in six career starts against Newcastle and two in his last two home league games. This explains why he is odds-on at 10/11 to net again anytime, and a 7/2 chance to grab the opener.

Raheem Sterling shall see the spotlight focus somewhat more sharply on him now, following his rejection of a new contract at Anfield and unauthorised BBC interview. He last scored in a Liverpool shirt back in February at Southampton, so being an even-money chance to net against the Magpies does seem a little short.

Brazil attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, meanwhile, grabbed the winner last time out as Rodgers’ Reds confirmed their place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley by beating Blackburn. Back this creative force to strike again at 2/1.

Stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson’s fine form in front of goal cannot be ignored either. He has four in his previous five league outings, which make tasty anytime odds of 7/2 well worth taking.

Liverpool will be without suspended pair Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel, plus injured Mamadou Sakho (hamstring). The converted Emre Can is back from a ban, however, to cover in defence and young Jordan Ibe should return after six weeks out in a wide berth, perhaps deputising for Adam Lallana (groin).

Since Papiss Cisse was slapped with a suspension for spitting, Newcastle have scored just one goal in three through Moussa Sissoko. He’s rated their most likely to do so again, alongside Ayoze Perez who netted in the reverse fixture, at equal 5/1 anytime chances. They are long odds indeed, so caretaker John Carver shouldn’t expect much joy on Merseyside.

Punters that rightly fancy Rodgers’ Reds for victory here should take their win to nil odds of 13/10, against a toothless Toon attack.