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Liverpool team predicted to face Newcastle in the Premier League at Anfield.
Liverpool turn their attention back to the Premier League when they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield (20.00 GMT).
The Reds’ title defence has been disappointing this season - and now their ambition is to finish in the top four. Champions League qualification is imperative, but there is a heated battle ongoing.
A 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth last weekend leaves them sixth in the table, two points behind Manchester United and a point adrift of Chelsea. But if results fall Arne Slot’s side’s way this weekend, they could be back in the Champions League berths.
Liverpool delivered a 6-0 thrashing of Qarabag in Europe’s elite competition earlier this week to secure a spot in the last 16. Slot’s men have impressed in the Champions League but had their struggles domestically.
Newcastle have also not hit the heights they hoped for in the Premier League. The Magpies are ninth but just three points behind Liverpool.
The Reds’ injury issues are well-documented, with Jeremie Frimpong (groin), Joe Gomez (hip), Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (both knee), Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic (both hamstring all sidelined) while there will be no Newcastle reunion for Alexander Isak as he recovers from a broken leg.
Slot has several decisions to make when it comes to his team. With everything in mind, here’s the Liverpool team predicted.
GK - Alisson Becker
The Brazilian was barely tested against Qarabag and he can expect a much busier evening.
RB - Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool will be well aware of the pace that Newcastle carry, especially with Anthony Gordon on the left flank. It means that Szoboszlai may have to do a job and feature in defence, which may not be popular with fans but understandable.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
It is a big boost to have the France international back, having been granted compassionate leave following the passing of his father,
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Organising Liverpool from Newcastle’s dangerous set-pieces will be imperative.
LB - Milos Kerkez
Had a bit of a difficult return to Bournemouth last week but that may well have been down to fatigue. Kerkez has had a week to recover and his one-on-one defending has been good so shackling Harvey Barnes will be important.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
Had to operate as a makeshift centre-back against Qarabag but will be restored to his favoured role in the engine room.
CM - Curtis Jones
Missed the Qarabag game because of illness but is back in training. Jones has been linked with Inter Milan ahead of the clash.
RW - Mo Salah
The Egypt international was excellent against Qarabag but he now needs to prove it against much tougher opposition.
AM - Florian Wirtz
The £100m summer signing has been in fine fettle but he will have to show he’s up to the physical test against Newcastle.
LW - Cody Gakpo
Had somewhat of a frustrating night against Qarabag as he missed a couple of good chances but Gakpo cannot let that impact him.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
The Frenchman could well have been a Newcastle player. But after firing 13 goals so far for Liverpool, he knows he made the right choice.
Mamardashvili, Robertson, Ramsay, Nallo, Endo, Nyoni, Chiesa, Ngumoha.
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