Newcastle United will clash heads with Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, hoping to produce a positive result on their home turf. The Reds will be heading into the contest on the back of an impressive 2-0 win against Villarreal in the first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, whereas the Magpies recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Norwich City.
Team News
Roberto Firmino remains sidelined with a foot injury that he picked up following the 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
“I don’t think [he is ready] yet. He is running outside, but I am not sure. Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, ‘Yes, Bobby is in.’ but I don’t think so.” – Klopp said before the Villarreal game.
Curtis Jones and Konstantinos Tsimikas missed the midweek clash due to illness, but they could be back for the weekend.
Jurgen Klopp will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with huge rotations from the last game. Naby Keita might get the nod over Thiago Alcantara in midfield, whereas Joel Matip looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Defence
Alisson Becker should operate between the sticks for the upcoming clash. The Brazilian shot-stopper would hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Saturday.
Joel Matip will form the centre-half partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s backline.
Andrew Robertson is a guaranteed starter at the left wing-back position, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back. The full-backs will be expected to stretch their side’s attack in the opposition half.
Joe Gomez will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he could be brought on in the latter stages of the game if needed.
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Midfield
Fabinho might start in the holding midfield position and could be assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the away side’s back-four.
Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita will slot into the central midfield roles. The duo would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal scoring chances for the front men.
Attack
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Diogo Jota will lead the line against Newcastle United this weekend. The Portugal international will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet when he faces off against the defence that has kept three clean sheets in their last five league matches.
Divock Origi could come off the bench in the second forty-five minutes of the match.
