Newcastle United will look to continue their excellent run of form when they play hosts to Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The Magpies have secured a mid-table spot in the table but will look to take advantage of the opportunity of having a say in the title race.
Newcastle United team news
Newcastle United suffered a fresh injury problem this week when key fullback DeAndre Yedlin picked up a groin issue. He has been ruled out and will join Miguel Almiron, Florian Lejeune and Sean Longstaff in Newcastle United’s list of absentees.
Ayoze Perez and Jamaal Lascelles, meanwhile, were both passed fit by Rafael Benitez, in his press conference on Friday.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Liverpool
Defence
The return of club captain Lascelles means Federico Fernandez may have to settle for a place on the bench. We can expect the English defender to partner Paul Dummett and Fabian Schar at the heart of Newcastle United’s five-man backline.
Spanish full-back Javier Manquillo is tipped to start in the right-back position where he has kept out Yedlin in recent games.
As for Matt Ritchie, he will operate on the opposite flank. The former Bournemouth star is likely to play in a more advanced role, thanks to Newcastle’s left-sided overload.
Martin Dubravka will retain his place in goal. The Slovakian keeper will look to keep up his good form, having conceded just two goals in his last three matches.
Midfield
Minimal changes are expected in midfield as Benitez looks to maintain the core of the team that is unbeaten in the last three games.
Jonjo Shelvey was handed a start against Brighton but he might have to make way for the more industrious Ki Sung-yueng with Liverpool expected to boss the midfield. He will be partnered by Isaac Hayden in the double-pivot and the duo will have their work cut out against the title challengers.
Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame will provide Benitez with additional options in midfield, should the Spaniard look for fresh legs later on in the game.
Attack
Ayoze Perez has been the club’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in the league so far. He will be deployed in the attacking midfield role along with Christian Atsu, who will once again get the nod ahead of Kenedy.
And finally, the Newcastle attack will be led by Salomon Rondon, whose physical and aerial prowess could provide Virgil van Dijk with some competition which has been lacking in the league until now for the Dutchman.
Kenedy and Yoshinori Muto will serve as additional options for Benitez going forward.
