Liverpool and Newcastle United best combined starting 11? John Barnes and Shay Given decide

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The Mag

·2 July 2025

Liverpool and Newcastle United best combined starting 11? John Barnes and Shay Given decide

Liverpool and Newcastle United squads combined, what would be the best starting eleven?

Which players from the two sides making the best team.

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That challenge was put to John Barnes and Shay Given by Carabao.

The former Liverpool and Newcastle United stars picking their players, explaining their choices.

Here’s what Shay Given and John Barnes had to say.

What do you reckon?

John Barnes:

“Well it has been a hard choice, because obviously Nick Pope has had a fantastic season, but I don’t think can argue with Alisson in goal.”

Shay Given:

“I’m probably going to have to go for Alisson. Pope’s a brilliant goalkeeper but I just think Alisson pips him.”

Right-back

John Barnes:

“We have Frimpong coming in. I think he is a great player but Livramento I will give the right-back position.”

Shay Given:

“I’m going to go Trippier. Some might think that’s controversial but I just think his leadership qualities, set-plays as well, so I am going for Kieran Trippier at right-back.”

Central defence

John Barnes:

“It’s obviously who is going to play with Virgil (van Dijk), We haven’t had a main centre-back partner for Virgil this last year. I think Fabian Schar had a really good season for Newcastle and is going to be an important player for them, so Schar alongside him (van Dijk).”

Shay Given:

“Well Van Dijk gets in there obviously, a fantastic centre-half. Left side I am going to go Dan Burn. Just such a monumental goal in the final, his whole season, he got player of the season for Newcastle as well.”

Left-back

John Barnes:

“Hang my hat on him and say Kerkez at left-back.”

Shay Given:

“I am torn between Robertson and Tino Livramento, so I am going to go…Tino.”

Midfield

John Barnes:

“I am going to start with Guimaraes, he has had a very good season, one of the most important players at Newcastle. Then alongside him I am going to have Mac Allister. Then between Joelinton, who is a very strong player, and Gravenberch. Gravenberch has made that number six position his own, so I am going to go with him.”

Shay Given:

“I know Liverpool fans will be saying, how can you not put more Liverpool players in? Gravenberch has had a great season but I am going to go for Tonali, Joelinton and Mac Allister in the middle.”

Up front

John Barnes:

“I’m going to go for Mo (Salah), I don’t think there is any discussion about that. Down the middle, Liverpool players Jota and Nunez have struggled this last year, we won the league but Isak was fantastic, so Isak in that position. On the left wing, I think Gazpo has been sensational for Liverpool, the goals he has scored, important goals, so I am going to go with Gazpo.”

Shay Given:

“I am going to go obviously Mo Salah on the right, brilliant season with goals and assists, just phenomenal. On the left I am going to go Diaz not Gakpo, I think Gordon has just dipped a bit this season but sure he will come back. Alexander Isak is probably the obvious choice as an out and out striker.”

The complete combined Liverpool and Newcastle United sides:

John Barnes: