Howe to make huge decision on key star amid injury woes – Predicted Newcastle XI vs Liverpool | OneFootball

Newcastle United will be eager to return to winning ways when they take on Liverpool at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.

The Magpies are hoping to bounce back from a couple of recent setbacks that have significantly hampered their push for European qualification.

Eddie Howe’s side have struggled for consistency, failing to win any of their last two games.

They fell to a shock 2-0 home defeat against West Ham United before playing out a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, with Daniel Munoz denying the Magpies a crucial win.

Recent results have left Newcastle 11th in the Premier League table.

Despite their wobbly form, the Magpies are still within touching distance of the Champions League places, sitting just four points adrift of fourth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, they’ve won just two of their last nine league games (D3, L4) and will hope to rediscover their attacking edge and defensive solidity at home to Liverpool.

Unfortunately, going toe to toe with the runaway league leaders will be an uphill task, considering Newcastle haven’t beaten Wednesday’s visitors in their last 15 meetings.

Liverpool are on a seven-match winning streak across all competitions, and Newcastle’s chances of denting that imperious run of form is further complicated by injuries to key players.

Talisman Alexander Isak is a major doubt for the crucial Liverpool tie after limping off in the draw against Palace with a hip issue.

Howe has downplayed the severity of the knock, claiming it’s a contact issue rather than a muscle problem, but question marks over Isak’s fitness paves the way for Callum Wilson to come in.

The England international is primed to make his first Premier League start of the season in one of three changes expected, and his experience could provide the spark Newcastle desperately need.

Sean Longstaff and Harvey Barnes will likely come in for Joe Willock and Joelinton, while Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth remain sidelined.

Newcastle predicted XI

(4-3-3): Nick Pope; Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Sean Longstaff, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes; Anthony Gordon, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes.