Starting XI Prediction: Liverpool to Make Two Changes for Newcastle United Clash | OneFootball

Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Starting XI Prediction

Liverpool travel to Newcastle United as they look to take their pursuit of the Premier League title to a whole new level. With all three title contenders facing tricky games (Arsenal vs Manchester United and Man City vs Nottingham Forest), it could be a crucial week as we head into the festive period.

The Reds come into the game in fine form, with comfortable victories over Real Madrid and Manchester City last week. With that being said, will Arne Slot make many changes to his starting lineup for this one? Let’s take a look…

Unchanged Back Line

Liverpool’s defensive options are looking pretty bare at the moment, due to the injuries to Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Ibou Konate and Kostas Tsimikas. Therefore, Slot will be forced into an unchanged back line against Newcastle.

Photo: IMAGO

Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal, whilst Joe Gomez will partner Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of the defence again after a brilliant performance against Man City. At full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will partner each other once again.

Verdict: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson

Rest for Key Midfielder

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister will combine as the double pivot once again, with both players being standout performers in the past week. However, ahead of them is where Slot will make his first change.

Photo: IMAGO

Curtis Jones will come into the side for Dominik Szoboszlai, who will be rested in this one. Both players are in brilliant form at the moment and it’s simply just a case of managing their minutes whilst both are fit and available.

Verdict: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones

Darwin Nunez’s Return

Similarly to Jones, Darwin Nunez will return to the starting lineup after being named on the bench in the victory over Man City. Mohamed Salah will start on the right-hand side, currently sitting top of the Premier League’s goal involvement table with 18 goal contributions in 13 games – simply incredible.

Photo: IMAGO

The main talking point will be over who starts on the left-wing, between Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. Based purely on the fact that Diaz played the full 90 against both Real Madrid and Manchester City, I expect Gakpo to start this one. The Dutchman will be looking to build on his impressive form, scoring against both Real Madrid and Man City last week.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Starting XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk (C), Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Gakpo

Bench: Jaros, Davies, Quansah, Endo, Morton, Elliott, Szoboszlai, Nyoni, Diaz