NEWCASTLE VS LIVERPOOL: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool travel to St. James Park tomorrow (17:30 GMT kickoff) to take on high flying Newcastle United. The Reds lie in 9th place whilst the hosts sit in 4th. Here’s how Jürgen Klopp could line his side up for the encounter. For a match preview, you can head over here.

The manager reported no new injuries in his pre-match press conference earlier today. He did however confirm that Virgil Van Dijk is ready to start, having been an unused substitute in the Merseyside derby on Monday night.

The side have had the whole week to rest, recuperate and prepare for this trip. As such, we are likely to see minimal changes to the side that beat Everton. In goal will be Alisson Becker as usual, with Trent and Robertson out at full back.

In the heart of defence we could see the only change in the lineup from last time out, with Van Dijk returning to the side for his first game since the defeat at Brentford. The big man has recovered from a hamstring injury and should be joined by Konaté in the coming weeks.

One of Matip and Gomez will have to make way for the Dutch skipper tomorrow night. Based on the last two games, Joe Gomez has the edge as Matip has been error prone lately. The Cameroonian almost gifted Everton a goal when he missed a straightforward clearance.

Gomez was on hand to block Simms’ effort but it’s that sort of unforced errors that has dogged the side this campaign. Matip for all his forward running and ball carrying ability has failed to inspire confidence in Van Dijk’s absence.

Another factor to consider could be pace. Allan Saint-Maximin is in line to start on the left flank for Newcastle, and no doubt the right sided centre back on the night will have a lot of work on his hands to try and keep him quiet. Gomez’s pace could come in handy.

In midfield, the trio of Fabinho, Henderson and Bajcetic impressed in the derby. The manager was effusive in his praise for them and is likely to trust them to go again. With the influential Bruno Guimaraes suspended, Liverpool should be aiming to boss the middle of the park.

Upfront we’re likely to see Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah line up together once more. Darwin will be stationed on the left wing to give Trippier something to worry about defensively whilst Gakpo continues to morph into a Firmino-lite.

The Dutchman scored his maiden goal for the club in the derby and his confidence levels rose afterwards. He has looked dangerous whenever he’s been allowed to turn after picking the ball up in the half spaces

Newcastle boast the best defensive record in the league so chances will be few and far between. The Reds have to be at their ruthless best if they are to take all three points. The return of Jota and Firmino certainly hands the manager further options from the bench.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Bajcetic, Salah, Gakpo, Darwin.

Subs: Kelleher, Matip, Tsimikas, Milner, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Elliott, Jota, Firmino.