Team News: Andy Carroll starts against former club

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has been handed a starting role for his return to Newcastle United this afternoon.

The £35m striker will play alongside Luis Suarez, while youngster Jonjo Shelvey has come into the midfield.

Hosting Newcastle are without Fabricio Coloccini because of a hamstring injury sustained last weekend.

As a result, James Perch will fill in at centre-back, while winger Jonas Gutierrez is asked to drop back into a full-back role.

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Williamson, Perch, Gutierrez; Guthrie, Tiote, Cabaye; Ben Arfa, Cisse, Ba

Liverpool: Reina; Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique; Gerrard, Spearing, Shelvey; Bellamy, Carroll, Suarez