One thing's for sure, the Suarez finger suspension has surely concentrated more than a few minds with regards to Kenny's selection for Newcastle on Friday. And it would surely be a surprise now if Carroll didn't start against his old club.

But if that is the case, it would be interesting to see if the big Geordie is pushed right up front or still used in that target role behind the front man. The problem with the latter instance would be who could Liverpool use as their furthest forward striker.

The other aspect of the equation is whether that might see Stevie-G pushed forward into a striker supporting role that he's played so effectively in the past. Since Bellamy tends to start every second game, I'd expect him to be in the initial line-up on Friday and that too would open the door for another option as a central striker.

But of course, the crucial question is how Liverpool will cope without Prince Luis. The last few games, he's played as if a rest wouldn't necessarily go amiss, and perhaps the suspension has resolved a slightly sensitive dilemma for our manager.

Whenever Carroll has played as the furthest most striker he's tended to be somewhat static. He's not by nature the most mobile of players so that how Liverpool choose to utilise him will be interesting. I wrote in my last piece that crosses should be put in for him to run on to from a deeper position but a mixture of delaying the cross and Carroll arriving too soon has meant he's simply not been utilised to his best potential.

I wouldn't for a minute choose to second guess how Kenny and Clarkie will play this, but Newcastle's elevated league position has owed much to a very steadfast defence and Liverpool will not find the Geordies easy to break down despite the fact that, due to injuries, the two centre backs are not the first choice ones

That said, Newcastle's record at Anfield is nothing short of dreadful. If my mind serves me right, I think the last victory came courtesy of an Andy Cole double strike, which came before that player signed for Manchester. Horses for courses and all that!

I guess there isn't a Red supporter anywhere who feels able to predict their team scoring even a couple of goals on their home lawn. It would make for a great change, wouldn't it? Just the thought of being two-up at half-time would be something to leave players and crowd alike wondering what to do next.

Why does my pessimism suggest that a goalless first half is well worth a wager with the bookies? That said, there's a little twinge between my legs which is hinting this might just be the occasion when it does finally come right. Not least because it's an evening game (the first of the season) and the atmosphere for these matches is usually up a notch or two. What's more I don't recall Liverpool failing to win very many recent league games which have started start after half-seven!
Mike Hopper