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Darwin Nunez of Liverpool is embraced by Reds boss Arne Slot(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Mere mention of Liverpool taking on Newcastle United immediately conjures up memories of goal-laden clashes throughout the Premier League era.

Indeed, that trend continued back in December when the teams played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St James' Park.

Last season's trip to the North East, though, was all about one player, Darwin Nunez stepping off the bench late on to turn the game on its head by scoring twice and transforming imminent defeat into a 2-1 win.

The Reds striker was at it again last month when emerging to score an injury-time brace and earn Liverpool victory at Brentford.

His most recent substitute appearances, though, have been somewhat less effective, an indifferent showing at home to Wolves followed by an alarming cameo at Aston Villa not helped by a poor miss in the 2-2 draw.

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Those successive shortcomings prompted a public rebuke from Liverpool boss Arne Slot, with Nunez raising eyebrows by posting a message on social media shortly afterwards.

I can keep talking to him about work-rate, work-rate, work-rate, but he and any number nine will always be disappointed if he misses a chance.

That is mainly because he always works so hard."

Nunez is pressing for a starting role in attack tonight as Liverpool look to at least maintain their 11-point lead at the Premier League summit.

Cody Gakpo, who missed two games before returning from the bench in Sunday's 2-0 win at Manchester City, is expected to start on the left with one of Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz leading the line.

Having employed a box midfield at the Etihad, Slot is likely to revert to a three-man engine room meaning one of Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai would have to miss out.
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