Earlier this season, Liverpool defeated Newcastle United. And when the two teams meet at St. James’ Park, the Reds will be looking to complete a league double over the Magpies. Liverpool cannot afford to lose points against their top-four rivals with UEFA Champions League qualification on the line.
As a result, the players will be expected to step up and deliver a game-winning performance here.
The visitors have received a significant fitness boost, with key defender Virgil van Dijk set to return to the starting lineup.
Jurgen Klopp released strong 4-3-3 lineup as van Dijk is fully back to defend his club
Jurgen Klopp confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the Dutchman looked ready in training and should be back in action against Newcastle. “I think so,” he said, before continuing, Yesterday he looked absolutely ready. I believe he will look the same today, and then we will make a decision.”
Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara has been out with a hip injury for a few weeks.
Luis Diaz, Ibrahima Konate, and Calvin Ramsay are also expected to be absent. Diaz has returned to light training and is expected to return to the field in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Ramsay has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing recent surgery. Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota were substitutes against Everton and are expected to be in the squad here. The duo, however, is unlikely to begin.
“The same squad [as against Everton], nothing changed. Who could have returned since then? “Ibou hasn’t yet, Luis hasn’t yet, but that’s pretty much it,” the boss said. On the injury front, nothing happened. Thiago is unavailable. Calvin had surgery and was unable to work. But that’s all there is to it.”
Klopp will almost certainly field his team in a 4-3-3 formation, with Alisson Becker in goal. The full-backs will remain Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson. Both players contributed to the creation of several chances against Everton. And Liverpool will need their flair against a tenacious Newcastle defense.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Joel Matip at the back. Meanwhile, Fabinho is expected to play as a defensive midfielder here. And the Brazilian will be hoping to win the ball back for his team and disrupt Newcastle United’s play.
Youngster Stefan Bajcetic impressed against Everton, and the 18-year-old is set to make another start here. In Thiago’s absence, club captain Jordan Henderson is set to start.
The front three that started against Everton are likely to return.
Cody Gakpo will look to add to his tally against Newcastle United, while Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah will line up as wide forwards.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
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