Liverpool will be bidding to kick off 2024 with a bang when they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield on New Year’s Day in the Premier League.
The Merseysiders went to the summit of the Premier League by beating Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor on Boxing Day. Before that, they had dismantled West Ham United 5-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, bouncing back from the disappointing 0-0 draw with Manchester United as a result.
Jurgen Klopp would be keen to start the New Year from where they ended 2023, although they will face a tricky test from Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who head to Anfield off the back of a 3-1 league upset at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool Team News
Alexis Mac Allister remains touch-and-go for the home game against Newcastle United, Jurgen Klopp said in his pre-match press conference.
Liverpool’s injury list also includes defenders Joel Matip and Kostas Tsimikas, who both suffered setbacks in recent games. However, midfield duo Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic have been long-term absentees, although the former could step into team training in January.
Andy Robertson has undergone shoulder surgery but is yet to be a part of team training, so the left-back remains sidelined for now.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Newcastle United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Liverpool will line up in Klopp’s usual 4-3-3 formation, with Alisson Becker taking his spot between the sticks. The Brazilian will be hoping to start the New Year with a clean sheet against the Magpies.
Defence
Ibrahima Konate was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Burnley but could return to the starting XI on Monday. The Frenchman will replace Jarell Quansah and partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s rearguard.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a sure-fix starter at right-back, with the Englishman looking to tuck into midfield and build up attacks. He is an asset when Liverpool are dominating possession. Meanwhile, Joe Gomez will keep his place at left-back after the freak injury to Kostas Tsimikas.
Midfield
Wataru Endo will sweep up things from the No.6 role for the hosts whilst allowing the No.8s to play their natural games and flourish offensively. Ryan Gravenberch had a decent game against Burnley and could get an opportunity in the middle of the park.
Dominik Szoboszlai came off the bench at Turf Moor but could be recalled into the starting XI at the expense of Harvey Elliot.
Attack
Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez started as Liverpool’s front three against Burnley but Klopp could make one alteration on Monday, Diogo Jota marked his return from injury with a goal and may have earned a ticket to start right away against Newcastle. If that happens, the Portuguese could come in for Gakpo.
