Joe Willock and Alexander Isak of Newcastle United
Joe Willock and Alexander Isak of Newcastle United
All eyes will be on the Newcastle United team sheet at 6.15pm tonight to see if Alexander Isak has been passed fit to start against Liverpool. The Swedish striker was facing late fitness tests this week after picking up a hip injury against Crystal Palace, although there were positive signs for the Magpies.
Isak feels he is ready to play but head coach Eddie Howe will want to make 100 per cent sure before naming his side this evening. United head coach could again tweak his side for the visit of Arne Slot's Reds, with Newcastle failing to fire against Crystal Palace.
Sandro Tonali started at Selhurst Park, but it would be no surprise to see Sean Longstaff return to the starting line-up tonight. He came in and performed well in the wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, and with Liverpool's midfield energy such a key part of their game, Longstaff could be recalled to help break up their rhythm.
It will be a big night for United's full-backs against the pace and skill of Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo, but while Kieran Trippier is available, expect Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall to continue, with Dan Burn back alongside Fabian Schar in the centre.
Joelinton's physical attributes could see him moved back into a midfield role with Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy starting on the flanks, but Joe Willock's strength on the counter-attack should see him given the nod, with the Brazilian continuing in his wide role, along with Anthony Gordon.
Liverpool could restore Darwin Nunez to the side, with Luis Diaz dropping to the bench, with Slot unable to call on Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota. However, Federico Chiesa is expected to travel and take his place on the bench after injury issues.
Newcastle United predicted XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock, Gordon, Joelinton, Isak.
Liverpool predicted XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.