Monday 13 April 2015 19:10, UK
Newcastle's visit to Anfield gives Liverpool the perfect opportunity to hit their stride ahead of their FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa, says Jamie Redknapp...
Liverpool's priority now has to be the FA Cup.
I'd be interested to get Brendan Rodgers' take on that but with Liverpool seven points off fourth ahead of their Monday Night Football game with Newcastle, the cup offers their best chance of success this year.
Of course, the Champions League places are important to clubs and players - and rightly so. Everyone wants to be playing at the highest level. But when you look back on your career, do you remember the time you finished fourth or the year you won the FA Cup?
If I was still playing and someone offered me a fourth-placed finish or winning a Wembley final and all the memories that brings, I know which one I'd choose.
Despite Manchester City's 4-2 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, I can't see them dropping enough points in their final six games to allow Liverpool back in. So Liverpool must switch their focus to the cup.
It's been a topsy-turvy season for Liverpool. There have been moments of genius and moments of quality, system changes and times when they looked like they'd cracked it. Then they went off a cliff and had some bad results before pulling it back against Blackburn.
After all that's happened, Liverpool fans will be thinking 'what a way an FA Cup win would be to sign off for Steven Gerrard'.
Of course, they still have Aston Villa and either Reading or Arsenal to beat to lift that trophy but what an achievement that would be for the club.
After defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United in the league, they need to get their form going ahead of next week's trip to Wembley, though, and, against Newcastle on Monday, they have a great chance to do just that.
Newcastle at home is the fixture every team wants right now.
Investment
I feel sorry for John Carver because when I look at the talent at his disposal, I'm not sure Jose Mourinho or Louis van Gaal could do much better. Moussa Sissoko is the only Newcastle player you'd take to a top-six club.
And, once again, they're drifting towards the end of the season after another disappointing campaign. Newcastle have plateaued and, unless they get some serious investment, things aren't going to change. I feel for the fans because they deserve better.
I feel sorry for John Carver. Jose Mourinho or Louis van Gaal couldn't do better with the talent at his disposal.
However, from Liverpool's point of view, they'll be looking to build on their win over Blackburn with a good, attacking performance at Anfield.
I've gone for Liverpool to win this one 3-1 and it would be great for the home fans to see some goals - because that has been a problem for Rodgers' side this season.
After losing Luis Suarez, they looked to build the team around Daniel Sturridge, but he really struggles to keep himself fit. That makes it difficult for the manager - especially when he has Mario Balotelli, who he absolutely can't rely on, and Rickie Lambert,who hasn't really worked out - as his other options.
That will definitely be an area Liverpool will look to invest in this summer - and that's where they have to improve to get back in among the top-four places in the Premier League.
Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana... there are lots of options behind the strikers, but finding a durable finisher will be a priority in the transfer window.
I've played in a few great games against Newcastle over the years - the 4-3 wins in 1996 and 1997 are Premier League classics. It's a shame Newcastle don't have the same quality now as they did then - but for Liverpool, the fixture can be a launch-pad for a piece of silverware this season.
Watch Liverpool v Newcastle live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm on Monday Night Football
