Runaway league leaders Liverpool pit their wits against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah saw the Reds beat Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday and go nine points clear at the top of the table. It was also their seventh straight win in all competitions.
Arne Slot is yet to suffer his first away defeat since replacing Jurgen Klopp at the helm, and thus, he and his boys will be heading to Tyneside with full confidence.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool will be without Ibrahima Konate (knee) and Conor Bradley (hamstring) for some time now, with the defensive duo joining Kostas Tsimikas (ankle) and Alisson Becker (hamstring) on the sidelines with the issues they picked up against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
It is unlikely to see both Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa overcome their issues and return to the squad against the Magpies in midweek.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Newcastle United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Caoimhin Kelleher has been brilliant for Liverpool and is certain to keep his place in goal. He will be raring to keep a clean sheet at the boisterous St James’ Park.
Defence
Changes could occur in defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold—only having returned from injury against Man City—making way for Jarrell Quansah, who was solid at right-back when he came off the bench on Sunday. This would allow Joe Gomez to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence once again, with Andy Robertson retaining his left-back spot.
The Liverpool back four, along with their goalkeeper, must stay tight and resilient to keep the exciting Newcastle forwards at bay.
Midfield
Arne Slot may shuffle his pack in midfield as well, bringing on Curtis Jones for Dominik Szoboszlai. The England international will join Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the engine room, with the trio trying to dictate the tempo of the game in midweek.
Harvey Elliot, Wataru Endo and Szoboszlai will get opportunities off the bench in the second half.
Attack
Up top, Darwin Nunez is expected to replace Luis Diaz against Newcastle. With his running power, directness and physicality, the Uruguayan could be a real handful for the home side’s defence.
Goalscorers against Man City, Salah and Gakpo will operate from the wide areas and look to provide service to Nunez in the box. Tricky and explosive, Diaz will be a great weapon to bring off the bench against a tiring Newcastle backline.
