Liverpool predicted starting XI v Newcastle

Liverpool’s predicted starting XI to take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park (kick-off 4:30pm).

The future of Mohamed Salah has dominated the headlines in the build-up to Liverpool’s clash against Newcastle United this afternoon.

Salah has been the subject of renewed interest from the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad reportedly offering the Egyptian the chance to double his weekly salary.

On Friday, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was forced to play down speculation of Salah, who has two remaining on his contract, leaving Anfield.

“There is nothing to talk about, he is a Liverpool player,” said the German. “He is essential and will be. There is nothing there. My life philosophy [is] I think about a problem when I have it.”

However, fresh reports from Saudi Arabia on the morning of the game are potentially major.

KSA Sports TV has sensationally claimed the 31-year-old will play his final match for the Reds at St James’ Park today before heading to Dubai to undergo his medical in preparation for a move to Al Ittihad.

Aside from handling the Salah speculation, Klopp could also be without one of his key defenders versus Newcastle. The German has confirmed Ibrahima Konate, who has started both opening games against Chelsea and Bournemouth, is a doubt because of a muscular injury.

Here’s Liverpool’s predicted starting XI:

1. GK: Alisson

Liverpool’s No1.

2. RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

The right-back came off with a knock last weekend but he has since recovered and Klopp confirmed he will start.

3. CB: Virgil van Dijk

The Liverpool skipper will be key against Newcastle.

4. CB: Joe Gomez

With a doubt over Ibrahim Konate’s fitness, Klopp is likely to turn to Gomez.

Newcastle vs. Liverpool – Preview, Lineups & Talking Points

Welcome home, Krying Klopp!

Newcastle United v Liverpool FC - Premier League

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Liverpool and Krying Klopp are visiting St James’ Park for the first time this season on Sunday.

You can expect goals because the Reds have bagged at least one in all of their last 32 games against Newcastle played at home and on the road. In fact, there’s only been a goalless draw between both squads getting back to 1974, though it’s also true that that 0-0 stalemate happened as recently as in Dec. 2020.

Liverpool enter Sunday on a six-game unbeaten streak against NUFC when playing at SJP, something the Magpies would be glad to bring to an end when the ball gets rolling this evening and we enjoy some 117 minutes of actual football, injury-time included under the new rules of the famed Premier League.

It’s reasonable to think Newcastle can beat Klopp and his Minions. Playing at SJP under Eddie Howe the boys won 11 games last year drawing six and losing only two. Yes, one of those defeats was inflicted by the own Pool, but it’s still an 11-6-2 record, so you gotta believe.

You can read everything Howe had to say here, as part of our pre-match coverage.

Probable Lineups

The Guardian prediction at the upcoming Starting XIs from the Magpies and the Reds is in, so let’s go through what could be coming from Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.

Lineup Notes

Not Available: Willock (hamstring), Krafth (knee), Manquillo (groin)
Doubtful: —

Talking Points

It’s hella chalky for The Guardian, and it’s hella no-Gordon for me. Other than flipping Anthony Gordon for Harvey Barnes in the starting XI, I’d keep everything untouched.
Yes, Newcastle dropped their last Premier League game against superpower Man City last weekend. Liverpool is not on par with the reigning champs, though, so no reason for fixing what is surely not broken.
The midfield has a bunch of options but at the end of the day deploying Joelinton, Tonali, and Bruno feels like the best possible trio and a balanced one at it.
This is also the second-to-last game to be played before the first international break and the last one before the boys know their Champions League group-stage fate. Next in line is Brighton, which is a good-not-great squad that should allow Howe to make some rotations if needed.
Blast Pool, Rest Later.