Rafa’s at it again then, shuffling is pack like a demented croupier for the early kick-off at St James’. Robbie Keane is the big casualty, rested to the bench despite his sparkling two goal salvo against Bolton. Alonso is the other key name pruned from the starting lineup. That”s going to hurt a few fantasy managers…

Riera is able to cuddle up to the pair of them, alongside Skrtel who makes a return from injury with a subs appearance. In come Lucas, Mascherano and Babel. Benayoun keeps his place and Kuyt switches to attack in a 4-5-1, with Gerrard likely to supply support from midfield. Pretty cautious stuff from Benitez again. Interestingly there’s no sign of Dossena – Insua looks as though he has the left-back role sewn up until Aurellio is back on contention.

As for Newcastle, they managed to patch-up Enrique despite his injury sustained in the Wigan warm-up. Beye is sidelined however, so Edgar starts at right-back. Taylor comes in for the suspended Bassong, while Viduka’s place on the bench goes to the returning Ameobi. Duff supports Owen up front once again.

Sorry for the lack of preamble’s over Christmas. I rewarded myself with some lie-ins over the break. Normal service on those will of course be resumed on Premier League Saturday’s. Enjoy the game and good luck for another gameweek.