Newcastle United will play hosts to Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night hoping to pick up a result at home. The Magpies suffered a 2-0 loss away at Manchester City last weekend, so Steve Bruce will demand a much-improved showing from his players in midweek.
The Tyneside outfit could set themselves up in a 5-4-1 formation with Callum Wilson expected to lead the line for them up top. However, Bruce will be sweating on the fitness of Ryan Fraser and Jonjo Shelvey heading into this league game later this week.
5-4-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Liverpool
Defence
Karl Darlow will operate in goal for the Magpies after shipping in two goals versus Man City last weekend. Ciaran Clark will partner up with Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez in central defence as they look to stop Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah from creating too many chances during the 90 minutes.
Jamal Lewis could get the nod to function at left-back while Javier Manquillo fills in on the other side as the right-back. Both of them will be instructed to sit deep and not let the opposition get in behind them out on the wide areas. Emil Krafth will have to settle for a place on the bench as he waits for his chance to make an impact in the latter stages if required.
Midfield
Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden will operate as the holding midfielders as they focus on stopping Liverpool’s rhythm at the centre of the park. Matt Ritchie will probably feature as a winger down the left flank while Miguel Almiron looks to use his pace to cause a few problems for the opposition defenders on the right.
Matty Longstaff will make up the numbers on the Magpies bench as he provides cover for the midfield positions.
Attack
Callum Wilson was rested last weekend and should be available to spearhead Steve Bruce’s attack up top. The English striker will once again carry most of the goal-scoring workload for Newcastle in the final third. He might fancy his chances while going up against a much-depleted Liverpool defence on Wednesday night.
Andy Carroll will be available for selection on the bench and could come on to feature against his former side in the second 45 minutes if needed.
