Newcastle have the right stuff to win the space race against Liverpool this afternoon.

The Reds’ ability to make a zonal pig’s ear out of defending set-pieces has been a long-standing delight for TV land’s chalkboard scientists.

You can tell that the old pros reckon theories about ‘marking space’ are basically new-age guff, probably thought up by Gwyneth Paltrow.

Next step, rubbing yoghurt on your goalkeeper.

Newcastle’s transformation into cutting edge set-piece specialists under Rafa Benitez has hardly been a secret. But whether or not Jurgen Klopp can do anything much about it today is another matter.

In a game that’s awkward to price up with confidence, there’s a couple of ‘anytime scorer’ tickles that stand out. Split a stake.

Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles is the ‘anytime’ Toon shot to launch first at the general 10/1 online.

Ciaran Clark ‘anytime’ at 14/1 (Bet365) is the solid alternative – and best of the High Street prices at 12/1 (Fred).

Philippe Coutinho is always a serious Man of the Match prospect. He took NINE gongs in his 31 run-outs last season – around a 5/2 shot.

Grab the 6/1 (Hills) that he ‘gongs’ again at Newcastle today.

With a noon kick-off against Arsenal at the Emirates, Chris Hughton could be home in plenty of time to watch Countryfile, if he’s not careful. But being careful is the Brighton manager’s top-flight vibe all over.

I reckon the 9/10 (Betfair) NO ‘both sides to score’ overestimates the Seagulls’ prospects of ruffling Gunners’ feathers, so have a peck of that.

Everton’s midweek Europa struggles with Appolon Limassol, haemorrhoid cream of champions, has piled on the gloom at Goodison Park.

Today’s visit of Burnley is the sort of strain Ronald Koeman could do without right now.

The Clarets have done us a few favours already this season, and any of the tight, drawish betting angles appeal more than the leaky Toffees at 4/6.

The DRAW at 11/4 (Paddy) is the pick of the 1X2. Have that.

Some data hints that Burnley are vulnerable to the long-range chancer, and few fit that bill better than Gylfi Sigurdsson – the 9/1 (Skybet) he ‘scores from outside the box’ is not a great price, but fun for longshot hunters.