The revamped Newcastle United have made a strong start despite settling for three successive draws following an opening gameweek victory versus Nottingham Forest. They were exquisite in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Manchester City and Magpies chief Eddie Howe should aim for another upset on Wednesday night at Anfield.
Liverpool, on the other hand, recovered from a dreadful start with an emphatic 9-0 triumph against Bournemouth. However, the upcoming tie won’t be a stroll in the park for the Merseysiders even though the Toon Army have an array of fitness concerns. The Reds, too, will be without many of their first-team stars through injuries and suspension.
Predicted 4-3-3 Newcastle United Lineup To Face Liverpool
Defence
In spite of going down last season with Burnley, Newcastle roped in Nick Pope this summer and handed him the ‘number 1’ status instantly. The English custodian is showing his mastery between the sticks and his supremacy might frustrate the Reds this midweek.
Emil Krafth is sidelined for months after suffering an ACL injury. Kieran Trippier had a knock against Wolves, but the veteran right fullback is expected to pass the fitness test ahead of the Liverpool clash. Fabian Schar and the summer signing Sven Botman have formed a stable partnership in deep defence and the gaffer is expected to rely on Dan Burn down the left ahead of Matt Targett.
Midfield
Similar to the Reds, the Magpies are also without a couple of key midfielders due to injury problems. Jonjo Shelvey is ruled out for months after undergoing surgery, whereas Bruno Guimarães is unlikely to recover in time for the Liverpool game. Sean Longstaff, therefore, should occupy the central midfield role in their absence. Joelinton has been a revelation in midfield after failing high up the pitch and the Brazilian must operate box-to-box along with Joe Willock as ‘number 8s’.
Attack
Allan Saint-Maximin scored spectacularly against Wolves to salvage a point. But the dynamic winger picked up a hamstring strain late in the match. Howe must be hoping to have him back prior to the Anfield encounter and his presence down the wide would make things difficult for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Miguel Almiron has enjoyed a great start to this new campaign and the Paraguayan is expected to cause menace from the right-hand flank as he has done so far in the previous games.
With Callum Wilson sidelined for the next few days, club-record signing Alexander Isak is likely to make the matchday squad upon getting the international clearance. Having said that, the Swedish star should not be deployed from the start ahead of Chris Wood in this high-profile contest.
