Newcastle United will be hoping to end a run of three straight draws in the Premier League as they host Liverpool at St James’ Park this evening.
The Magpies have not won in the top flight since their 1-0 triumph over Fulham in mid-January, and they come up against a Reds team who have lost three of their last five games in the division but returned to winning ways against Everton earlier in the week.
Eddie Howe’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth in their last game in the league, and the 45-year-old looks set to need to make at least one change to his starting XI from that clash.
Joe Willock was forced off in the first half at the Vitality Stadium, and Howe has since confirmed that the 23-year-old is a big doubt for this evening’s match, although the £80k-per-week gem should be fine for the Carabao Cup final next weekend.
Will Anthony Gordon start against Liverpool?
The former Arsenal midfielder’s injury is not ideal, given that Bruno Guimaraes is set to serve the final match of his suspension against the Reds, but it does provide another player with an opportunity to showcase their quality on the pitch.
With this in mind, Howe must replace Willock by unleashing January signing Anthony Gordon from the start, after the forward came off the bench to replace his compatriot against Bournemouth.
Whilst he is a winger by nature, the 21-year-old could play alongside Joelinton and Sean Longstaff in midfield and pop up in various areas across the pitch, whilst potentially switching with Allan Saint-Maximin at times to keep the opposition guessing.
Gordon’s running and sharpness in possession could help the Magpies to counterattack quickly and expose any space that Liverpool leave at the back with their customary high line.
Journalist Luke Edwards hailed the former Everton wizard’s pace last month, tweeting: “Others have pointed this out so not an original observation but getting strong Craig Bellamy vibes about this one. Gordon very much a Howe type of player too. Will run all day. Don’t judge him on last six months at Everton. He’s raw but vast potential. Bit of the devil about him.”
Gordon has also shown flashes of his quality in the final third this season with three goals and 11 chances created in 12 Premier League starts, after scoring four goals and creating 35 chances in 25 starts for Everton last term.
This shows that the 21-year-old has the potential to make an impact at the top end of the pitch, whilst also offering plenty of running and effort in midfield, and that is why Howe must unleash him to replace the stricken Willock this evening.