Injuries and results have left Jurgen Klopp with a difficult task on Saturday. We have a go at tackling the same headache as Jurgen Klopp with our predicted XI to face Newcastle United.
Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat in Barcelona puts extra focus on form in the Premier League. It would be easy to slip up again after their first defeat in four months, after all, and the title now looks the best bet for a trophy.
Alisson Becker
The easiest pick on the teamsheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Missed the defeat against Barcelona and his attacking influence was sorely needed. Will likely play every remaining game.
Dejan Lovren
Joel Matip played very well on Wednesday and certainly shouldn’t be dropped. This represents one of the few places Klopp can rotate, however, and he should take that chance.
Virgil van Dijk
Plays every game.
Andy Robertson
Simply a must-have in the team right now. Fortunately, he never seems to get tired, anyway.
Fabinho
Only played four minutes against Cardiff City and then missed the Huddersfield game. He’s the freshest of every first-choice player and will surely play every remaining game.
Jordan Henderson
A difficult one. Klopp clearly wanted to rest him at Camp Nou but Naby Keita’s injury prevented that. It’s a similar situation here. Ideally, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would take this role but it’s highly unlikely that he’s fit enough. Another option is a slight change of system to 4-2-3-1 and Shaqiri coming in. It’s difficult to see Klopp taking that risk now though, with so much on the line.
Gini Wijnaldum
Had a very tough time of it against Barcelona in an unfamiliar position. Didn’t play the full 90 and so you’d think he’d get the nod here, with Milner taking one of the midfield roles in midweek.
Roberto Firmino
The only thing preventing him starting is his fitness. He nearly started against Barcelona but instead only played the last period of the game. Should be ready to play the rest of the season.
Mo Salah & Sadio Mane
They’ll both play nearly every minute left this season. Each chasing the Golden Boot and each are absolutely vital. They may be tired come the end but Liverpool’s success depends on them as much as anyone.
Predicted XI to face Newcastle United
Alisson
Alexander-Arnold – Lovren – Van Dijk – Robertson
Henderson – Fabinho – Wijnaldum
Salah – Firmino – Mane
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
