Robert returned to Newcastle starting line-up

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson restored winger Laurent Robert to the Newcastle starting line-up for this afternoon’s Barclaycard Premiership showdown with Liverpool.

The Frenchman, who was rested for the 1-1 draw at Wolves last weekend, replaces the injured Lee Bowyer, while Shola Ameobi comes in for Lomana LuaLua in attack.

Liverpool boss Gerrard Houllier is without injured duo Michael Owen and Harry Kewell, and made five changes to the side which went out of the Carling Cup at home to Bolton in midweek.

Chris Kirkland returns in goal while Sami Hyypia, Dietmar Hamann, Steven Gerrard and Florent Sinama-Pongelle are also recalled, as Jerzy Dudek, Djimi Traore, Vladimir Smicer, Anthony Le Tallec and Salif Diao make way.