Magpies Seek Revenge

Liverpool host Newcastle United on Monday, where a victory would see them remain at the top of the Premier League table.

The Reds come into this one with just one defeat in their last 30 Premier League games, whilst Newcastle boss Eddie Howe finds himself under pressure after a poor run of results.

Back in August, a ten-men Liverpool came out 2-1 winners against Newcastle at St. James’ Park with the help of two late Darwin Nunez goals.

The Magpies haven’t managed a win at Anfield since 1995, and Klopp will be hoping to extend that run even further.

But today we’re going to be predicting Liverpool’s starting XI ahead of Monday’s game:

The Defence:

Despite long-term injuries to Andy Robertson, Joel Matip and Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool currently have the best defensive record in the league.

Alisson Becker will definitely remain in between the sticks, after keeping his sixth league clean sheet of the season.

Jarrell Quansah came in to the side against Burnley on Boxing Day to put in a fantastic display, however Ibou Konate will likely come back into the side for this one.

He will undoubtedly be partnered by Virgil Van Dijk, who was harshly sent off in the reverse fixture at St. James’ Park.

Joe Gomez will go again at left-back, covering for the injured Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.

On the right-hand side, Trent Alexander-Arnold will look to continue his world-class form.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez

The Midfield:

Wataru Endo is almost nailed on to start at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, before departing for the Asian Cup after the game.

Jurgen Klopp revealed in his press conference that Alexis Mac Allister could be fit for this one, but I wouldn’t be risking it.

Despite his solid performance at Burnley, Harvey Elliott will likely make way for Dominik Szoboszlai on the right of Klopp’s midfield three.

Finally, Curtis Jones will likely replace Ryan Gravenberch in the final midfield spot in Klopp’s side.

Klopp will have a number of options from the bench, with Elliott, Gravenberch and potentially Mac Allister to choose from.

Verdict: Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones

The Attack:

Mohamed Salah will definitely start on the right-hand side of Klopp’s front three, before leaving for the African Cup of Nations after the game.

Despite getting on the scoresheet in the victory over Burnley, Diogo Jota is likely to remain on the bench.

Whereas, the other goal-scorer Darwin Nunez will likely keep his place and will lead the line against Newcastle.

The Uruguayan will be looking to produce some more magic, similar to what he produced back in August against the Magpies.

On the left-hand side, I would personally go with Cody Gakpo as his recent performances have been largely promising.

However, I think that Klopp will go with Luis Diaz instead and look to use his pace to cause Kieran Trippier even more problems.

Jota and Gakpo will be waiting in the wings to run a tired Newcastle side into the ground, when they come off the bench.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Bradley, Chambers, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Elliott, Gakpo, Jota.