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Jurgen Klopp will be desperate for Liverpool to secure back-to-back victories in the Premier League by beating Newcastle away from home this afternoon. It will be a daunting task for the Reds, though, and Klopp will need to gamble with a few important decisions to stand the best chance of claiming all three points.
Express Sport takes a look at how Liverpool could line up against Newcastle at St James’ Park…
Goalkeeper – Alisson
There will be no surprises between the sticks for Liverpool, with Alisson Becker set to take up his usual position. The 30-year-old has conceded two goals in as many games but will be hoping to secure his maiden clean sheet of the Premier League campaign today.
It will be difficult for Alisson to keep the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes quiet, though, with Newcastle averaging 2.5 goals per game as things stand.
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Defence – Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson
The first big decision for Klopp will be whether to select Trent Alexander-Arnold after he limped off with an injury against Bournemouth last weekend. However, it was confirmed on Friday that he is fit to play, which should see him line up in his established right-back spot at St James’ Park.
There is another pressing issue for Liverpool to deal with at the back, given that Ibrahima Konate is a doubt with a muscle problem. This could see the Frenchman rested today, with Joel Matip able to provide cover at the heart of defence.
Midfield – Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai
It will be crucially important for Liverpool to win the midfield battle against Newcastle, which could see Cody Gakpo dropped in favour of a more defensive option in Wataru Endo. The Japanese playmaker could be given his full Premier League debut by Klopp, while Alexis Mac Allister will also be involved after his red card against Bournemouth was overturned earlier this week.
Dominik Szoboszlai, meanwhile, will shoulder the burden of Liverpool’s creative duties in the middle of the park.
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Attack – Salah, Jota, Diaz
Mohamed Salah looks set to start for Liverpool despite being linked with a money-spinning move to Al-Ittihad. Klopp insisted on Friday that he fully expects the winger to stay at Anfield and he is unlikely to be fazed by the speculation over his future when it comes to putting in a performance against Newcastle.
Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz should keep their places in attack after scoring last weekend, while Darwin Nunez will be able to offer something different from the bench.
Possible Liverpool XI (4-3-3) – Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
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