Newcastle United came from two goals down against Liverpool to claim a 2-2 draw at Anfield this afternoon.
It was Rafael Benitez's first return to his former club since taking over at Newcastle last month, and his side were 2-0 down after half an hour following goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana.
In the second half, though, Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback managed to find the back of the net to earn the Magpies a point.
Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's text commentary below.
2.00pmAfternoon all! It's a big game at Anfield today as Newcastle continue their hunt for Premier League safety by taking on a very in-form Liverpool team, who are on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions. The Magpies can climb out of the relegation zone with a win today, while Liverpool could potentially move to within two points of fifth-placed Manchester United if they seal victory. Also, Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is expected to receive a warm welcome from the home fans following his six-year spell at Anfield.
2.03pmBREAKING NEWS! Before we go any further, there's some big news coming out of Anfield. Liverpool have confirmed that Mamadou Sakho will not be available for selection due to a UEFA investigation into claims that the defender may have violated anti-doping rules.
A statement from Liverpool read: "Yesterday, Friday 22nd April 2016, a formal communication was received from UEFA stating that they are investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho. The player will respond to UEFA on the matter.
"The player is currently not subject to any playing suspension. However, the club, in consultation with the player, has decided that while this process is followed the player will not be available for selection for matches. There will be no further comment at this time."
Read more here.
© Getty Images
2.06pmWith regards to matters on the pitch, everything looks rosy in the red half of Merseyside at the moment as Jurgen Klopp's men have not suffered defeat in any of their last six games in all competitions. Their top-four bid may have waned during an inconsistent period on the pitch following Klopp's arrival in October, but they are now picking up speed having won their last three league matches. Also, they have a Europa League semi-final to think about as they earned a spot in the final four by beating Borussia Dortmund in the quarters.
2.10pmAs for Newcastle, well, it has been another season in the bottom half of the table. They are not yet safe and have just four games left to play. At the moment, they are 19th in the standings, two points adrift of 17th-placed Norwich City and have one less point than Sunderland, who have a game in hand. After playing Liverpool, Benitez's team will take on Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur before the season is out.
2.12pmRight, I think it's time for some team news, don't you? Here are the lineups for both sides...
2.13pmLIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Randall, Toure, Lovren, Moreno; Stewart, Allen; Milner, Lallana, Firmino; Sturridge
Subs: Ward, Skrtel, Smith, Lucas, Coutinho, Ibe, Ojo
Subs: Ward, Skrtel, Smith, Lucas, Coutinho, Ibe, Ojo
2.14pmNEWCASTLE XI: Darlow; Anita, Mbemba, Lascelles, Dummett; Townsend, Tiote, Colback, Sissoko; Perez, Cisse
Subs: Woodman, Mbabu, Shelvey, Wijnaldum, Aarons, De Jong, Mitrovic
Subs: Woodman, Mbabu, Shelvey, Wijnaldum, Aarons, De Jong, Mitrovic
2.16pmSo, Klopp has made four changes to the side that thumped Everton 4-0 on Wednesday. As mentioned, Sakho is not in the squad due to a possible doping violation, which means that Kolo Toure's inclusion is an enforced change. Youngsters Connor Randall and Kevin Stewart have been called into the first XI. Randall replaces Nathaniel Clyne, who is not in the squad at all today, while Stewart comes in for Lucas Leiva. Joe Allen also enters the fray, while Philippe Coutinho has dropped to the bench.
2.20pmSo, as expected Simon Mignolet starts in goal. Dejan Lovren and Toure will form a centre-back partnership with Randall and Alberto Moreno in the full-back positions. Stewart and Allen will sit in midfield, with James Milner, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino providing attacking intent behind Daniel Sturridge, who starts after Divock Origi was struck down by an ankle injury in midweek.
2.23pmAs for Newcastle, well, Rafael Benitez has named an unchanged side from their midweek draw with Manchester City. Karl Darlow starts in between the sticks, with Vurnon Anita, Chancel Mbemba, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett forming the back line. Andros Townsend and Moussa Sissoko will occupy the wings, while Cheick Tiote and Jack Colback sit in midfield. Once again, Ayoze Perez has been preferred to Georginio Wijnaldum in attack alongside Papiss Cisse.
2.26pmLiverpool are in a rich vein of form and have a Europa League semi-final against Villarreal coming up. The team have certainly had their shooting boots on of late. In their last three league games, the Reds have scored 10 goals. After being held to a 1-1 draw against Tottenham, they welcomed Stoke to Anfield.
2.28pmAlberto Moreno opened the scoring inside the first eight minutes, but there was cause for concern when Bojan equalised 22 minutes in. Before half time, though, Daniel Sturridge managed to find the back of the net to give Liverpool a slender lead. After the break, the home side took control of the game as Divock Origi netted twice to give his side a 4-1 win and all three points.
2.31pmFollowing a dramatic 4-3 comeback win against Dortmund in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie at Anfield, Liverpool had to find some energy from somewhere to take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Klopp made wholesale changes to the starting XI, but they still managed to come away with a 2-1 win.
2.33pmRoberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge scored within seven minutes of one another to give the Reds a 2-0 lead at half time. Joshua King got on the scoresheet for the Cherries, but it proved to be a consolation goal in stoppage time. Next up for Liverpool was the Merseyside derby, and in all honesty, it was a rather low key buildup given that Everton's main focus was on this weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
2.36pmEven so, Roberto Martinez fielded a strong team, but it was a woeful performance from the Toffees' point of view. Liverpool had 22 shots and Everton created just two opportunities. The first goal came in the 43rd minute from Origi, who was later stretchered off the pitch with ankle ligament damage.
2.37pmMamadou Sakho put Liverpool 2-0 ahead just before half time and after Ramiro Funes Mori was sent off for an awful challenge on Origi, the Reds hit cruise control. In the end, it looked like an exhibition game as Everton camped out in their own half and Liverpool created wave upon wave of attacks. Substitute Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho added to the scoresheet as Klopp's men sealed a comfortable 4-0 win.
2.39pmSTATS! The victory over Everton also marked the first time since May 2015 that Liverpool have won back-to-back matches at Anfield. Also, the Reds have not been beaten in their last five league matches and have only suffered defeat once in their last nine. James Milner could make an impact this afternoon as he has recorded 11 assists in 2016 in all competitions, which is three more than any other Premier League player.
2.41pmA negative for Liverpool is that they are likely to be without Origi for a lengthy period of time. The striker was in great form having scored five in his last five games when he was struck down with an ankle injury. The Belgian had earned himself a spot ahead of Sturridge in the pecking order, but now it looks like it will be up to the England international to lead the line.
2.42pmAs everyone knows, Sturridge has had his fair share of injuries! The striker spent the majority of the first half of the season on the treatment table with various problems. He is now back in contention, but he is no longer the first name on the teamsheet. Klopp has regularly defended his team selection by insisting that he is managing Sturridge's time on the pitch because of his injury problems. The player himself has admitted that he is frustrated not to be a regular starter, but he is likely to get his wish now that Origi is unavailable.
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2.44pmKlopp spoke to the media earlier this week about today's game. He told reporters: "We have five days between Saturday and Villarreal so we don't need to think about that game.
"We know all about the physical strength of Newcastle. We need a team who are really fit for this game. They have a strong team and they don't look like a relegation team. Only one of them, Sunderland and Norwich can stay up.
"First half against Everton was very intense, that is what it will take against Newcastle. It won't be an easy second half against them. Four wins in a row means nothing for the next game. That is just a number."
© Getty Images
2.45pmKlopp has also spoken to the media today. This time on the alleged drug violation from Sakho. The German boss was tight-lipped though. He told Sky Sports News: "With respect to the situation and the player I should not say more, and I do not know more to say anything else."
2.46pmRight, let's switch our attention to Newcastle, shall we? It's a nervy time at the bottom as the Magpies need three points today in order to climb out of the relegation zone. If they fail to do that, then they only have three more games to pick up points that can secure them survival.
2.47pmWhen Benitez was appointed last month, his time in charge did not start off brightly as the team were beaten 1-0 by league leaders Leicester City. They were restricted to a point in a 1-1 draw against arch rivals Sunderland, and suffered damaging defeats to Norwich City and Southampton. The game against Norwich was particularly tough to take for Newcastle because they managed to pull it back to 2-2 before Martin Olsson scored the winner for the Canaries in the 93rd minute.
2.49pmAfter a 3-1 defeat to Southampton, things started looking up for Newcastle. The team lifted the fans' spirits by earning a 3-0 win over Swansea City at St James' Park. Jamal Lascelles opened the scoring in the 40th minute. In the second half, late goals from Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend sealed a much-needed victory.
2.51pmNewcastle were able to carry that momentum into a midweek game against Manchester City on home soil. Sergio Aguero scored his 100th Premier League goal in the 14th minute, and for a moment, it looked as though the visitors could go on a scoring rout, but Vurnon Anita equalised just after the half-hour mark. Newcastle managed to restrict City to a 1-1 draw, which will give them confidence heading into today's encounter.
2.55pmBenitez will be fully focused on the job at hand, but I'm sure he will be looking forward to this game in particular as he still has a good relationship with Liverpool. The Spaniard spent six years in charge of the Merseyside club and experienced some wonderful moments in the club's history. Who can forget Liverpool's famous Champions League final win over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005? Benitez was in charge of the team who earned Liverpool's fifth European title. The Spaniard followed that up by guiding the team to FA Cup glory the following season. Benitez is expected to receive a warm welcome this afternoon as this is just his second time returning to Anfield as opposing manager. The Spaniard was in the away dugout a few seasons ago when he took charge of Chelsea on an interim spell.
Rafael Benitez returns to Anfield. pic.twitter.com/K2PtBw3vRe
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 23, 2016
2.56pmSTATS! Unfortunately for Newcastle, the statistics are not great reading. The team have won just three of their last 30 Premier League games on the road having lost 24 and drawing three. They have in fact lost their last nine in a row. Also, the North-East outfit have conceded three or more goals 10 different times in the top flight this season, which is a joint-league high with Aston Villa.
2.58pmThe teams have made their way onto the pitch on a sunny afternoon here at Anfield. Just a few minutes to go now until kickoff!
1 minKICKOFF! Liverpool get us underway at Anfield! Benitez has received a warm welcome from the home fans, as expected, but can he cause an upset in his former home? Let's find out!
2 minGOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 NEWCASTLE (STURRIDGE)
2 minWow, what a start for Liverpool! Sturridge has sent Klopp a message by scoring a great goal inside the first two minutes of the game! Just 68 seconds were on the clock when the striker chests the ball down after receiving a long pass from Moreno. The 26-year-old takes a touch and then drills the ball across goal and into the bottom far corner. Perfect start for the Reds!
4 minNewcastle are shell-shocked and you can understand why! The visitors get some time on the ball and end up winning a corner. The ball is whipped in but Milner comfortably clears.
6 minSissoko shows decent feet down the left-hand side and charges down the field, but Firmino gets across him to nick the ball back.
7 minThe visitors win a free kick on the right-hand side. Newcastle are aware of Liverpool's weakness in defending set pieces, but Colback fails to make the most of it and the chance goes missing.
9 minMoreno is down and requires treatment following a challenge from Colback. There did not seem to be much contact, but the full-back looks in a bit of pain. He's been looked over and fortunately for Liverpool fans seems ok to continue.
11 minIt was the worst possible start for Newcastle, but they are still looking quite bright. Benitez's side have managed to get on the ball and work themselves down the final third, but they are lacking that quality at the moment.
12 minLallana tries to find Sturridge after turning away from Tiote inside the final third. He finds space on the edge of the box, but his clipped pass over the top is overhit and fails to find Sturridge.
13 minSome concern for Liverpool as Lovren goes to ground holding his throat. The defender got struck by Cisse's flailing arm and the medics are on the pitch. It looks like the centre-back will continue, but Skrtel is warming up.
15 minGood signs for Liverpool as Lovren comes back on the pitch after receiving some treatment. The defender has put in some impressive performances of late, so losing him now would be trouble for the Merseyside outfit, particularly as Sakho is no longer available.
17 minCHANCE! Milner finds Moreno after the Spaniard makes an overlapping run. The left-back pulls the ball back to Firmino, who fires a shot, but it's blocked.
18 minCHANCE! Sturridge hunts for a second, this time from 25 yards out. He picks the ball up and unleashes a powerful shot towards the centre of the goal, but his attempt just drifts over the bar.
20 minFirmino shows good skill by nutmegging Lascelles to find Lallana down the line, but the England international's first-time cross is cut out.
22 minBOOKING! Tiote's name goes in referee Andre Marriner's book after bringing down Lallana while the midfielder looked to lead a counter attack.
3.26pmSturridge celebrates scoring inside two minutes for Liverpool. That's the striker's fourth goal in five games.
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25 minNewcastle win another corner - their third of the game - but it's wasted once again. It's taken short and is hit into the box, but the whistle blows after Perez fouls Allen in the area.
27 minSakho may not be on the pitch because of an alleged doping violation, but he is in the stadium. The Frenchman is sat in the stands watching his teammates.
30 minGOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 NEWCASTLE (LALLANA)
30 minGreat finish from Lallana! The England international puts Liverpool two goals to the good with a lovely 18-yard shot, which slams high into the net. Moreno and Firmino combine before the former sets up Lallana, who curls it home.
32 minTiote trips up Allen and gives away a free kick in the left corner. The Newcastle midfielder needs to be careful as he is already on a yellow card. He escapes a booking this time, though.
33 minA half-chance for the visitors as Perez unleashes a first-time shot from 25 yards out, but he fails to trouble Mignolet as the ball soars over the bar.
35 minFirmino shows good footwork in the box as he moves away from Mbemba with his first touch and sets himself to shoot from 12 yards out, but the Newcastle defender gets back across to block.
36 minLiverpool appeal for a penalty, but it's waved away by the referee. Firmino's cross hits the arm of Dummett, but Marriner deems the incident ball-to-hand.
37 minPenalty claims at the other end as Randall goes for a low headed clearance, but ends up bringing down Perez. Once again, the referee says no.
40 minNewcastle have a mountain to climb and they don't look like they'll reach the summit at this rate! Benitez's team have created very little going forward and are yet to get a shot on target.
42 minBetter from Newcastle as Anita breaks away from his marker and crosses into the box. Cisse gets on the end of it and heads across goal. Even if he managed to find the back of the net, it would have been ruled out due to the striker being offside.
44 minTownsend shows skill on the right wing with a number of stepovers. He gets the ball away for a delivery into the box, but it's overhit and misses his teammates.
45 minCHANCE! Newcastle create their first real opportunity as a ball is crossed into the area, but misses everyone. It drops to the feet of Anita, who thumps a shot from a tight angle, but his effort goes over the bar.
45+3 minHALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 2-0 NEWCASTLE
3.49pmThe referee blows up for half-time and it's Liverpool who look more than comfortable at the moment. The home side have a 2-0 lead over Newcastle thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana. The first goal was scored in the first 68 seconds and after taking control of the game, Lallana doubled Liverpool's lead on the half-hour mark. It looks like it will be an unhappy return to Anfield for Benitez, unless his side launch a comeback in the second half. At the moment, his team have struggled to cause any problems for the Reds. We'll return shortly.
4.01pmSAKHO UPDATE: Before the second half gets underway, let's bring you some word from UEFA on the alleged doping violation from the Liverpool defender. It reads: "UEFA would like to confirm the information communicated by Liverpool FC regarding an adverse finding in a doping test of their player Mamadou Sakho conducted at the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC on 17 March 2016 (1-1).
"The player and the club have received all the pertinent information and have until Tuesday to request the analysis of the B sample as well as to provide explanations for the presence of a prohibited substance in the players' body. There are no disciplinary proceedings opened at this stage."
45 minRESTART! Newcastle get the second half underway! Will Benitez guide the team to a comeback or will Liverpool see out a win? Let's find out!
45 minNEWCASTLE SUB: There's been a change at half-time for Newcastle. Wijnaldum comes on to replace Perez.
49 minGOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-1 NEWCASTLE (CISSE)
49 minGame on?! Newcastle pull one back early in the second half! It's Anita who makes it as he crosses into the box to find Cisse, who heads into the back of the net. Mignolet came off his line to meet it, but he misses it completely. The visitors are back in the game!
52 minChances at both ends as Liverpool are denied another penalty appeal. Sturridge goes to ground following a challenge from Tiote, but the referee is having none of it. At the other end, Newcastle break and Cisse ends up laying the ball off for Townsend, who shoots form the edge of the box but misses the target.
53 minBOOKED! Milner gets a yellow card for bringing down Wijnaldum in Liverpool's half.
54 minCHANCE! Newcastle get an opportunity from the free kick. It's curled into the box and meets Sissoko, who heads towards goal, but it's easily caught by Mignolet.
56 minIt's been a much brighter spell for Newcastle as they now sense a comeback after scoring in the 49th minute. Liverpool are trying to take the sting out of the game by keeping hold of the ball.
59 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Liverpool are denied a third goal because of the offside flag. Allen got a header on target, but Darlow was there to push it away. The ball only went as far as Firmino, who taps it into the net, but the Brazilian was rightly flagged offside.
61 minIt seems as though Newcastle's bright spell has come to an end. The Reds have regained control and are trying to see this game out with another goal.
63 minThe away side are awarded a corner, but they let the opportunity go missing by failing to beat the first man. Liverpool easily clear.
66 minGOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-2 NEWCASTLE (COLBACK)
66 minNewcastle are level! What a comeback from Benitez's team! Townsend turns on the edge of the area before chipping in a cross. The ball is then nodded down for Colback, who shoots first time and falls into the net off a big deflection.
71 minCHANCE! Lallana tries to get Liverpool back on top with a low cross, which fizzes across the face of goal and is not met by any of his teammates.
72 minLIVERPOOL SUB: Klopp makes a double change as Lucas and Coutinho come on for Allen and Randall.
74 minNEWCASTLE SUB: Benitez makes a change now and it's an attacking one. Mitrovic comes on for Cisse.
76 minCan Newcastle make the most of their momentum? At the moment, Liverpool are struggling to create much in their visitors' half.
80 minLiverpool have had more of the ball in the last few minutes, but Newcastle look dangerous on the break. Stewart tries to grab the winner for the Reds as he shoots from just outside the area, but his attempt soars over the bar.
81 minSAVE! Sturridge breaks away from Anita to get on the end of Lallana's cross. The striker gets a header away, but it's comfortably saved by Darlow.
83 minLIVERPOOL, NEWCASTLE SUBS: Changes from both sides as Ojo comes on for Lallana and Tiote makes way for Shelvey.
87 minCHANCES! Opportunities at both ends as Shelvey looks to guide a counter-attack, but loses the ball. Coutinho then gets the ball inside the box before taking a shot, but it's blocked.
90 minThree minutes added on. Will there be a winner?
90+3 minFULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 2-2 NEWCASTLE
4.59pmWell, what a comeback from Newcastle! They were 2-0 down at half-time and managed to come back to claim a 2-2 draw! Daniel Sturridge scored after 68 seconds and Adam Lallana doubled his side's lead on the half-hour mark. Four minutes after the restart Papiss Cisse headed home and Jack Colback nabbed the equaliser. Newcastle remain in the relegation zone, but are now just one point behind 17th-placed Norwich City. Thank you for joining us and until next time, goodbye!
