Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno is down and receiving treatment. Looks like he twisted his knee in a fall. He is back on his feet pretty sharpish, though, and is OK to continue.

The Liverpool fans had only just finished singing Rafa Benitez's name before Sturridge scored that opener. Sweetness with a sting from the home side. Newcastle's gameplan is in tatters.

Trevor Sinclair
Former England winger on Final Score

"The movement from Sturridge for the goal is brilliant. He is on the shoulder of the defender, but he has got no right to score, he's got two defenders on him.

"He is a fox in the box, selfish, but if you don’t pull the trigger you are not going to score."

John Hartson
Ex-Arsenal & Wales striker at Anfield for BBC Radio 5 live

"A great finish form Sturridge. Who knows, he might not have started if Origi wasn't injured. The Newcastle defence was far too slack though - Sturridge was allowed to turn and he stuck it in the corner. To concede after what, 30 seconds? Terrible start for Newcastle. Especially on the back of their last two results."

Image source, Reuters

And we are under way. All the pressure on Newcastle today. A win will take them out of the bottom three. One problem - they are facing one of the most in-form teams in the country, who have scored 14 goals in their last four matches.

Here come the teams. Chancel Mbemba won't be hard to spot. One pink boot, one neon yellow. He better have a good game with a sartorial statement like that.

Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender

"Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has had two decent results in the past week - a win over Swansea and a draw with Manchester City.

"I don't see them getting much of the ball on Saturday, the way Liverpool are playing. The Reds are on a roll at the moment.

"Benitez will get a good reception of course, but I think that is all he will get."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says fans are "very welcome" to celebrate the return of Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, who managed the Reds for six years.

Before his return to Anfield, Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez says he sees similarities between the passion of Geordie fans and of Liverpool supporters.

Yes, over at Anfield, they are of course getting ready to give a very warm welcome to Rafael Benitez as the man who masterminded Liverpool's 2005 Champions League triumph makes a return with struggling Newcastle.

Current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp says he has no problem with a Benitez love-in. 

"I like Rafa," Klopp said. "If anyone wants to celebrate Istanbul when seeing Rafa Benitez, you're more than welcome. That's how I'd welcome an old friend."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Rex Features

Final Score

Final Score is live now on BBC Red Button and online. Keep across all the goals from all the games this afternoon with Jason Mohammad, Trevor Sinclair and Jermaine Jenas.

Kolo Toure comes in to Liverpool's central defence in place of Mamadou Sakho after the latter was taken out of contention following news of Uefa's investigation into a failed drugs test. Daniel Sturridge starts in attack in place of the injured Divock Origi. With the Europa League semi-final first leg this week, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp also rests Nathaniel Clyne, Lucas and Philippe Coutinho, with defender Connor Randall and midfielders Kevin Stewart and Joe Allen coming in to the side.

Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet, Randall, Toure, Lovren, Moreno, Stewart, Allen, Milner, Lallana, Firmino, Sturridge.

Subs: Ward, Coutinho, Lucas, Skrtel, Smith, Ibe, Ojo.

Image source, .

Newcastle stick with the same starting XI that earned a point against Manchester City on Tuesday. Their only change is on the bench, whereHenri Saivet is replaced by Kevin Mbabu.

Newcastle starting XI: Darlow, Anita, Mbemba, Lascelles, Dummett, Townsend, Tiote, Colback, Sissoko, Perez, Cisse.

Subs: Woodman, Mbabu, Shelvey, Wijnaldum, Aarons, De Jong, Mitrovic.

Image source, .

Image source, Getty Images

Yes, out of the blue this lunchtime it was revealed that Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is being investigated by Uefa after failing a drugs test. Liverpool say the France international, 26, is not officially suspended but he will "not be available" for selection during the investigation, which includes today's game.

BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis said Sakho failed a test after the Europa League victory over Manchester United on 17 March.

It is thought Sakho tested positive for a type of fat burner.

But all of that has had the thunder somewhat stolen by this fella...

Image source, PA

And Rafa is back in town...

Image source, Reuters

Newcastle are desperate for points...

Image source, Reuters

Liverpool are on a roll...

Image source, PA