Liverpool take on Newcastle United at Anfield Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday ahead of a run of very important games.

The Reds will face Porto in the Champions League Last 16 second-leg mid-week followed by the derby against Manchester United.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes that Liverpool must keep an eye on Newcastle.

The Reds cannot afford to underestimate the Magpies and should focus their efforts against the Premier League outfit as they already have a 5-0 aggregate lead against Porto.

Merson underlined that the Reds need as many points as possible before things get really tough in the Champions League.

Liverpool could move into second place in the Premier League by the end of the weekend if United drop points.

Merson expects Newcastle to put up a challenge but thinks Liverpool will end up winning 2-0 at home.

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Merson said: “They will make things difficult for Liverpool though, who will be fully focused on getting a result. They’ve got Champions League next midweek but after their first leg result, they should not be taking their eyes off Newcastle. They need as many points as possible before the Champions League quarter-finals, starting with a hard-fought win over Newcastle on Saturday.”

Midfielder of Turkish origin Emre Can is available but could be rested ahead of the United game.

Can will be suspended for the United derby if he picks up another yellow card.

Jurgen Klopp has yet to reveal whether he will rest the 24-year-old in order not to risk him.

Can scored and provided an assist in the 4-1 victory over West Ham last week.