Darwin Nunez will replace Cody Gakpo as the central striker when Liverpool take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Wednesday.
Liverpool are on a six-match winning streak across all competitions, and they will look to grind out a positive result away from home when they lock horns with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.
The away side will be without the services of Alisson Becker, who is still recovering from his hamstring injury. The Brazilian international is expected to return to action later this month. However, Arne Slot provided an update on the veteran goalkeeper during his pre-match press conference.
The Liverpool manager said, “We are just waiting for the moment that Alisson is completely fit because Caoimh is doing too well to put Alisson in goal if he is only on 50 per cent [fitness] and that would not be good for Alisson and not be good for the team.
“He’s getting there. It might take a few more extra days but he’s getting closer and closer and like I’ve always said the end phase of rehab is always the period where you feel like, ‘OK, is he really there or does he need a few extra days?’ But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are.”
Diogo Jota is sidelined with an abdominal issue. Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley picked up injuries against Real Madrid, and the two players are likely to be sidelined for several weeks. Other than that, Liverpool have a fully fit squad to choose from.
The away side are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Newcastle United, with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will start as the full-backs, and they will look to keep things compact at the back and help out in the attack as well. Joe Gomez will start alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Alexis Mac Allister will add creativity and control to the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch international will look to help out defensively and recycle possession.
Curtis Jones is likely to be handed a start here after starting on the bench against Manchester City. Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz will start in the wide areas, and they will look to add pace, flair and creativity to the side. Cody Gakpo was handed a start against Manchester City, but Darwin Nunez is likely to come in for him here.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez