Liverpool vs. Newcastle: 6 Classic Matches to Define the Rivalry

Tomorrow sees another edition of a match that has pleased crowds for decades, Liverpool vs. Newcastle.

Liverpool have had the best of the previous matches, winning 73 out of 151 games. But it is Newcastle who go into tomorrow's game with an eight-point advantage over the Reds in the league.

Liverpool have pretty much dropped out of the race for fourth, but Newcastle could still overturn the five-point deficit between themselves and Tottenham.

Liverpool and Newcastle have treated us to some spectacular games over the years and the conditions could be right for another classic tomorrow at St James' Park.

Out of the matches it has to live up to, which are the best?

In chronological order, here are the six matches that define the rivalry between the two.

Which classic matches have I missed out? Comment below

We start off with a real classic.

Even 78 years ago, Newcastle and Liverpool were entertaining the crowds. Although it was the home crowd who would've enjoyed this match more as The Magpies cruised to a 9-2 victory at St James’ Park.

A poor season at Liverpool was highlighted by this record loss on New Year's Day.

A hat-trick from Newcastle's Sam Weaver, playing at inside forward rather than his more traditional spot at half back, secured a walkover for the Toon Army.

It was Liverpool who had the last laugh though, as they escaped relegation by four points, while Newcastle were sent down to the Second Division.

Fast forward 59 years, and it was again Newcastle who came out the victors in a match that helped define the Tyneside club as contenders in the Premier League.

It was a young Andy Cole who starred in that game, scoring three goals in half an hour as the Liverpool defence stood helpless against him.

Both Cole and Newcastle had a great season. The newly-promoted Newcastle side went on to finish third in the league, qualifying for Europe. While Cole scored 41 goals on his way to winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Next up is possibly the greatest Premier league match of all time.

With both teams still in the hunt for the Premier League title, each of the teams desperately needed the win to close the gap to Manchester United.

Boy did they show it.

Liverpool started strongly with a Robbie Fowler goal after just two minutes thanks to a strong run down the left flank from Stan Collymore.

Newcastle responded with two quick goals from Les Ferdinand and David Ginola.

Chances came thick and fast throughout the game, with neither team able to get a real hold on the match.

It wasn't until the 55th minute that another goal would be scored, Robbie Fowler again popping up with a goal for the Reds.

Again, Newcastle responded straight away, this time Faustino Asprilla slotted home past the onrushing David James.

Despite this it would be Liverpool who would end the day cheering. Stan Collymore scored a brace to secure the win in dramatic style, securing the win with a beautiful strike at the near post in stoppage time.

This match was voted the match of the decade in 2003 and stands up as one of the most exciting games of football ever.

Same scoreline, different year.

Just 11 months after Collymore's last minute strike, the two teams would stage another high scoring game.

Not as exciting as the first, Liverpool sprang into a 3-0 lead at halftime. Goals from Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Patrik Berger looked to have put the game beyond doubt.

However this was truly a game of two halves, and Newcastle came roaring back after the break.

In just 17 minutes, the Magpies scored three of their own, courtesy of Keith Gillespie, Asprilla and Warren Barton.

David James suffered a terrible day at the office. The first went straight through his hands, the second saw him charge out, only to be beaten to the ball by Aspilla, and the third saw him in no mans land yet again.

But James' blushes were spared when Robbie Fowler connected with a Bjornebye cross to head Liverpool to another 4-3 victory.

This game saw the Ruud Gullit era at Newcastle get off to the worst possible start.

The Dutchman was in the stands to see the Newcastle defence run ragged by teenage sensation Michael Owen.

Owen scored a hat-trick in just 32 minutes to put the game beyond Newcastle.

Stephane Guivarc'h, now seen as one of Newcastle's worst ever strikers, had briefly pulled it back to 2-1.

Owen's third and a strike from Berger just before the break saw Liverpool yet again score four against Newcastle.

The most recent game on the list see's the pendulum swing back into the Geordie's favour.

The game was the first after Alan Pardew was controversially appointed manager, but he couldn't have gotten off to a better start.

Amid protests against Mike Ashley, Newcastle got off to a flying start. Kevin Nolan connecting with an Andy Carroll header across goal to open the scoring.

Liverpool played terribly for much of Roy Hodgson's time in charge, and this was no different.

Newcastle couldn't capitalise however, and it looked as though they may have been able to hold on thanks to Dirk Kuyt's equalizer just after halftime.

Joey Barton would restore the lead with just 10 minutes remaining, and the victory would be rounded off with a stunning goal from Andy Carroll.

Newcastle fans will be hoping that Carroll has a quieter game tomorrow.