Liverpool travel to St. James’ Park tonight to face Newcastle United amid the transfer drama surrounding Alexander Isak.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool will “attack” for Isak after the game, saying Tuesday will bring a lot more clarity on what the outcome of the saga will be.
He said: ““Obviously it’s going to be an important moment because it’s going to close this story between Newcastle and Liverpool and then from Tuesday we will understand more on the Isak story – whether he’s going to Liverpool or whether Newcastle are going to keep the player.
“Liverpool remain in their position – they want Isak, they will attack for Isak, but it will depend on Newcastle.”
Team news and rumours about Arne Slot’s team selection
Alexis Mac Allister might not be in the squad tonight although there is no confirmation of that from an official club source yet. This is Anfield reports that Macca was not spotted getting off the team bus but the news I am delighted to report is that it is reported that it “could be due to the fact his partner Ailen is currently pregnant with their first child.”
Jeremie Frimpong will also miss the match as well as the Arsenal game next week due to a hamstring injury. Stefan Bajcetic is also out with a hamstring problem
Conor Bradley might not be back in time as he battles a muscle issue which is why I believe Dominik Szoboszlai should play at right back. His industry means he can still affect the midfield battle much like Trent Alexander-Arnold did – arguably more so given Szoboszlai’s superior work ethic.
Slot hinted at this in his press conference: “But the good thing is that some others can play in that position as well: Wata played in that position for a few minutes, Dominik Szoboszlai already played in that position.”
Endo is not in contention – in my opinion – because of the threat of Gordon exposing his pace. Curtis Jones would be needed in midfield in this scenario.
Lineup and key battles – Liverpool need to dominate to overcome St. James’ Park mania
St. James Park has a capacity of a few hunred over 53,000. The forty odd thousans Newcastle fans in attendance tonight are going to be baying at the perceived injustice over Alexander Isak.
Liverpool players have no room for complacency otherwise they will be punished. The Toon Army will surely demand it in this unique fixture.
It will be interesting to see if Anthony Gordon plays on the wing or centrally but containing him will be key. Ryan Gravenberch and the two fullbacks will be crucial in this.
Newcastle will be desperate to contain Mohamed Salah but they will also have to stop Gakpo, Wirtz and Ekitike so they will likely operate from a low block to prevent the space that was exploited against Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe’s team simply cannot allow those four to run at his team from the half-time.
The midfield battle will be where the game is won – especially given Newcastle’s reduced counter-attacking power with Isak still on strike.
Predicted Liverpool lineup to face Newcastle: Alisson; Kerkez, van Dijk, Konate, Szoboszlai; Gravenberch, Jones, Wirtz; Gakpo, Ekitike, Salah.
Formation: 4-2-3-1