Phil makes his league return at Newcastle
Philippe Coutinho is in Liverpool's team for this afternoon's clash against Newcastle United as the Brazilian makes his first Barclays Premier League start in almost a month.
The playmaker last began a game in the league when West Bromwich Albion were downed 2-1 at Anfield on October 4. He then dropped to the bench for the games against Queens Park Rangers and Hull City.
Against Swansea City in the Capital One Cup fourth round earlier this week, Coutinho was the Reds' best player as he probed for openings and dazzled with nimble footwork, earning him a place in the XI at St James' Park today.
Rodgers makes seven changes to the side he sent out during the dramatic fightback against the Swans.
At the back, Glen Johnson and Lovren remain in the line-up as the manager switches Simon Mignolet, Alberto Moreno and Martin Skrtel in for Brad Jones, Javier Manquillo and Kolo Toure.
Vice-captain Jordan Henderson and Coutinho stay in midfield, where they are joined by the returning Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling.
Midweek saw Rodgers opt for the dual threat of Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert; however, the pair begin today's game on the substitutes' bench as Mario Balotelli returns to lead the line against Alan Pardew's in-form outfit.
