Liverpool vs Newcastle United – Team News, Predicted Lineup, Prediction and more
Preview
Liverpool will look to continue their sweltering form when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Reds have scored 16 goals in their last five matches in all competitions and are the team to beat based on current form. They have climbed to 3rd place in the standings, two points above 4th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Jurgen Klopp’s side ripped Porto’s defence to shreds in the first leg of Champions League round of 16 before mauling West Ham 4-1 in the league last weekend.
It would take an uphill task for Newcastle United to stop the in-form Reds at home. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez will have to produce a tactical masterclass to get a positive result at Anfield.
The Magpies are in some indifferent form in the second half of the season but will be buoyed after beating Manchester United a couple of weeks ago.
The last time these two sides locked horns with each other, it was at St. James’ Park when the game ended 1-1 in December last year.
Team News
Liverpool will be boosted by the return of Nathaniel Clyne from a back injury. The right-back played the entire 90 minutes in Liverpool U-23’s 4-0 win over Stoke City in the Premier League Cup at the weekend. And with him playing a full game, there is no chance Klopp would use the defender against Newcastle.
There are no fresh injury concerns for Klopp but defender Dejan Lovren is at risk of getting a suspension, having already picked up four yellow cards.
Probable Liverpool XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Loris Karius (GK)
Karius is Liverpool’s No.1 now and made some decent saves in the previous game against West Ham. He is sure to keep his place on Saturday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The youngster is simply brimming with confidence and must start against the Magpies.
Joel Matip (CB)
The Cameroonian was solid last weekend and Klopp will be hoping for more of the same from the former Schalke man.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
Van Dijk is slowly and steadily getting into the groove at Liverpool. He will be hoping to continue his late good run of form.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
The Scotsman has firmly established himself as the first-choice in the left-back position ahead of Alberto Moreno. That is unlikely to change.
Emre Can (CDM)
Can has been excellent this season. He has contributed defensively and also offensively, scoring the opener against West Ham. It would be a big shame if the German decided to leave our club at the end of the season.
James Milner (LCM)
Milner will be tasked with helping Can in the midfield and providing an outlet for the attackers.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM)
Impressed against the Hammers with his adventurous runs from the midfield. The ex-Arsenal man seems to have finally settled into the team.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
Mohamed Salah was excellent last game and enters the business end of the season in unstoppable goalscoring form.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Mane seems to have got back his mojo just at the right time. After scoring his first-ever hat-trick for the Reds, the Senegalese found the back of the net last weekend and will be eager to make a mark again against Newcastle.
Roberto Firmino (ST)
A no-look goal in the previous game demonstrated the form he is currently in. It is not just the Brazilian’s goals and assists but the overall work-rate that makes him a top player. A sure-shot starter on Saturday!
Prediction
Such has been Liverpool’s form lately that it will be difficult for Newcastle to get anything out of the game. I go with a 3-1 Liverpool victory at Anfield.
