Liverpool v Newcastle: Predicted Reds line up to face Magpies

Liverpool recorded their first win of the season in style on Saturday, beating Bournemouth 9-0 to equal the record for the biggest win in Premier League history. 

Prior to the thrashing at Anfield, The Reds had drawn two and lost one of their opening three matches, but they are now back to winning ways and will be hoping to continue that form against Newcastle United on Wednesday.

The Magpies travel to Anfield in fine form too, having avoided defeat so far this season, as well as picking up a point against Premier League champions Manchester City.

Here, we take a look at the XI that Jurgen Klopp could select for the visit of Newcastle.

Goalkeeper

Alisson has played the entirety of all four matches so far, and will once again start for Klopp’s side. The Brazilian is likely to find himself in a race with his fellow countryman Ederson for the golden glove award this term, but his shutout against The Cherries was his first of the season and he will therefore be looking to get off the mark on Wednesday.

Defenders

At the back, Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely line up at right-back, fresh from scoring his first goal of the season on Saturday. The England international has been criticised for his defensive performances of late, particularly against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, so he will be looking to assert his authority on this game and put in a solid showing against a threatening Magpies side.

Liverpool were rampant on Saturday

In the middle, Joel Matip’s ongoing injury means Joe Gomez is the most likely candidate to partner Virgil van Dijk. The Englishman has started each of The Reds’ last two games and will be hoping to take advantage of his opportunity having fallen out of favour last season.

Van Dijk, meanwhile, was also criticised for his performance against The Red Devils, but like Alexander-Arnold did also score his first goal of the season against Bournemouth. The Dutchman could be tasked with handling Alexander Isak, if Newcastle’s new Swedish striker is given his debut by Eddie Howe.

On the left, Andy Robertson is most likely to start, despite Kostas Tsimikas being impressive during substitute appearances of late. The Greek international set up two goals during a 21-minute cameo against Bournemouth, but is yet to start a game this season. Robertson also grabbed an assist in the emphatic win last time out, and will be wary of his teammate’s superb form.

Midfielders

Midfield is arguably Klopp’s biggest headache at present. The German admitted in a recent press conference that he may have been wrong when he stated that his side didn’t need midfield reinforcements, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will recruit before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Brazilian Fabinho has established himself as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders and looks sure to start on Wednesday, having started three of the four games so far. He was among the substitutes against United, but was introduced around the hour mark with his side trailing.

Jordan Henderson could line up alongside Fabinho in the middle. The Reds’ captain has featured in every match so far, and with Thiago still sidelined through injury, he may once again start.

Carvalho scored his first Liverpool goal on Saturday

In the advanced midfield role, Fabio Carvalho may be preferred to fellow youngster Harvey Elliott, who has started Liverpool’s last three. Carvalho scored his first goal for the club on Saturday, and looks to have an extremely bright future ahead of him at Anfield.

Forwards

In attack, Mohamed Salah looks almost certain to start and will be desperate to get on the scoresheet having failed to score on Saturday. The Egyptian missed two glaring chances and will have been frustrated not to have scored considering the ease with which Liverpool beat their opponents.

Firmino was directly involved in five of Liverpool’s nine goals against Bournemouth

Through the middle, Roberto Firmino will start after a superb individual display at the weekend. Unlike Salah, the Brazilian had no problems against Bournemouth, scoring twice and providing three assists for his teammates. Firmino’s playing time looked set to decrease when Darwin Nunez was signed, but the Uruguayan’s suspension has allowed the ex-Hoffenheim man to flourish.

Luis Diaz looks set to complete Klopp’s front three. The January acquisition from Porto has started the season well, scoring three goals so far including a brace against Bournemouth. Liverpool have undoubtedly missed Sadio Mane in the opening weeks of the season, but Diaz looks more than capable of replacing the Senegal international.

Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Carvalho, Fabinho; Salah, Firmino, Diaz