Liverpool v Newcastle Premier League 23/04/2016

This Is A Liverpool Team Reborn

It is testament to the power of Klopp's man management skills.

This morning's news that Divock Origi will be out for six weeks following a horrific challenge from Funes Mori in the Merseyside derby was met with dismay from Liverpool fans.

They have witnessed a striker of whom the manager referenced “we will have fun with this guy” early on his arrival, evolve from a raw and unthreatening presence into a goal machine that rose high above John Stones to score for the fifth time in five games on Wednesday night.

It looks like ligament damage will mean the likeable striker will miss the rest of the season which is a big shame for both the player and the fans who have taken to singing his name at every occasion.

It's not just Origi who has been transformed either. Seven of the team that demolished Everton on Wednesday started in the the lamentable 1-1 draw reverse fixture earlier in the season and the player development has been nothing short of astonishing.

Everton were taken to the cleaners and the round of “Ole's” that went up towards the end of the game were well earned.

Is this really the same team that Brendan Rodgers claimed were “in transition” hours before John Henry & co pulled the plug on his managerial reign?

Is this the same Lovren that was derided for his horrible mistakes in the early part of the season? Of all Liverpool players his rise from the bottom of the heap to outstanding performer has been remarkable.

Likewise Sakho who struggled to get into the first team under Rodgers but is now a firm favourite with the fans. His tackle on Lukaku was immense and his ungainly style belies slick passing ability.

All over the pitch players have been instilled with belief and that belief has been adopted by the crowd. Three times in three home games Liverpool have scored four goals and the goal difference column is suddenly off its sickbed.

Rafa Benitez returns to Anfield on Saturday to the club where he witnessed some incredible fightbacks but there will be no fairytale ending for Newcastle this season. Benitez arrived too late to do anything meaningful but I expect them to put up more of a fight than Everton.

When Klopp arrived nearly everyone anticipated a massive clear out of underperforming players but astonishingly it is now more a case of who is better than what we already have? Who's to say the manager can't sprinkle a little stardust on Benteke?

I'm backing Liverpool to make it four home wins in a row. The old negativity is taking a battering these days.

The Bet - Liverpool To Win 8/13 £10 Returns £16.50 At Coral - Bet Now

Outsider - Liverpool To Win 4-0 22/1 £10 Returns £230 At Coral  - Bet Now

Longshot - Liverpool To Win 4-3 70/1 £10 Returns £710 At Coral - Bet Now

Sure Bet - Liverpool To Win Or Draw 2/13 Double Chance £10 Returns £11.54 At Coral  - Bet Now