LIVERPOOL PREDICTED STARTING LINEUP AGAINST NEWCASTLE UNITED
As Liverpool gears up for their New Year’s Day encounter against Newcastle, all eyes are on Anfield where Jurgen Klopp’s side hopes to maintain their momentum. The return of Alexis Mac Allister could be a significant boost for the Reds, who have been missing the midfielder’s influence since the 2-0 victory at Sheffield United on December 6.
Mac Allister’s potential return is the talk of the town. Klopp, in his recent interaction with the press, expressed optimism yet remained cautious, noting the decision hinges on the day’s developments and medical advice. “If Macca could be back for Newcastle, that would be outstanding,” Klopp remarked, underlining the importance of the midfielder in the team’s dynamic.
However, not all news from the Liverpool camp is positive. Left-back Andy Robertson’s recovery from a dislocated shoulder is taking longer than anticipated. Originally expected to make a comeback next month, the Scotland captain’s return is now uncertain, with Klopp suggesting he won’t be available for the entirety of January. “Robbo still needs more range in his shoulder… the full January he has to get closer and closer,” Klopp said, highlighting the severity of Robertson’s injury.
Liverpool’s predicted lineup shows a strong team, with Alisson in goal, and a defense comprising Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, and Gomez. The midfield could see Gravenberch, Endo, and Szoboszlai taking control, providing the perfect balance of creativity and defensive solidity. The front three of Salah, Nunez, and Diaz promises an explosive attack, ready to challenge Newcastle’s defense.
Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Gravenberch, Endo, and Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, and Diaz
Newcastle, on the other hand, will be looking to upset Liverpool’s plans. They have shown significant improvement this season and will be aiming to capitalize on any weaknesses in Liverpool’s setup, particularly given the absence of Robertson.
This fixture is more than just a game; it’s a test of resilience for Liverpool and a chance for Newcastle to prove their mettle against one of the Premier League’s elite. The battle in midfield will be crucial, and Mac Allister’s potential involvement could tilt the scales in Liverpool’s favor.
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Jurgen Klopp and Eddie Howe give injury updates as 16 players could miss Liverpool vs Newcastle
Our Liverpool FC morning latest focuses on the latest injury news from both camps ahead of the massive New Year’s Day match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp and Eddie Howe will go head-to-head again on New Year’s Day when Liverpool welcome Newcastle United to Anfield
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Liverpool welcome Newcastle United to Anfield on New Year’s Day, looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool hit the summit on Boxing Day with a 2-0 triumph at Burnley. And they remained there after previous pacesetters Arsenal went down 2-0 at home to West Ham United two days later.
Arsenal could regain pole position with victory at Fulham on Sunday. But Liverpool would still ensure they start 2024 at the top with three points at home to a struggling Newcastle side who have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions.
And ahead of the big match, we look at the latest injury news from both camps in our morning Liverpool FC digest.
Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson, Thiago – Liverpool injury news for Newcastle after latest Jurgen Klopp update
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has delivered an update on the club’s injury list.
Liverpool will be aiming to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table as they prepare to face Newcastle United on New Year’s Day. The Reds became league leaders after their win over Burnley on Boxing Day and were able to stay top of the pile after Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Thursday night.
Liverpool continue to be part of the developing title race, despite the club’s growing injury list. Both Andy Robertson and Alexis Mac Allister are key players that have been sidelined through injury and Klopp shared the latest on their recoveries at his press conference to preview the visit of Newcastle.
Jake Bayliss has the full story, which also includes updates on Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic.
Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip and Ben Doak make up the seven Reds injury concerns in total.
Eddie Howe gives Newcastle United injury update as Liverpool threat assessed
Eddie Howe has admitted his Newcastle United side will need to be “near-perfect” to stand a chance of getting a result against Liverpool on New Year’s Day.
The Reds have earned wins over Newcastle in each of their previous five meetings, most recently completing a memorable comeback victory at St James’ Park back in August after going down to 10 men. There was plenty of drama when the sides last met at Anfield, too, with tempers boiling over on both benches before Fabio Carvalho netted a 98th-minute winner to leave the visitors deeply frustrated.
Newcastle’s poor form, which has seen the Magpies triumph only once in their last seven outings, has ensured Liverpool are the firm favourites to come out on top once again. But Howe is eager to avoid further feelings of pain in this fixture.
However, the Newcastle boss could be without as many as nine players for Monday’s night game at Anfield, with Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Jamaal Lascelles, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson, Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett sidelined due to injury. Sandro Tonali, meanwhile, is banned due to breaching betting rules.
‘Really good’ ex-Newcastle United midfielder trains with Liverpool as Reds could be set for boost
Liverpool welcome Newcastle to Anfield in the Premier League on New Year’s Day.
Liverpool were put through their paces on Friday afternoon ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
Jurgen Klopp granted his troops two days off after a 2-0 victory over Burnley on Boxing Day. And the Reds returned to the AXA Training Centre still top of the Premier League table after Arsenal suffered a 2-0 home loss against West Ham United.
Liverpool now aim to make the perfect start to 2024 when they welcome Newcastle to Anfield on New Year’s Day. While the Magpies have struggled of late, winning just one of their previous seven games, they displayed last season how much quality they have – as they dislodged the Reds from Champions League qualification.
Klopp will be hoping that Alexis Mac Allister can return from injury. The Argentina international has missed the past six games because of a cut to the knee he suffered in a 2-0 win at Sheffield United at the start of the month. Mac Allister was back in training, which is a positive sign, and could be included on the bench if given the green light by the medical team.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Klopp said: Macca, we will see what he can do today – if he can step into team training or not.
“The decision is not done yet, it’s pretty early and the Doc is not here; or maybe he is here but I didn’t see him yet. So, we will see.”
There were also several youngsters called up to the session to rub shoulders with Mac Allister, Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Co – with Bobby Clark being one of them. The midfielder joined Liverpool from Newcastle in the summer of 2021 when aged 16 for a reported fee of £1.5 million.
Clark, the son of former Magpies midfielder Lee, is highly rated by Klopp and his coaching staff. The England youth international was handed a Premier League debut off the bench in a 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth in August 2022 before making his full bow in a Carabao Cup victory over Derby County.
This campaign, Clark had an ankle injury that ruled him out for a period and limited any game-time he likely would have been handed in the Europa League group stage. Clark returned from his setback to score the winner for Liverpool under-21s in a 2-1 triumph over Chelsea earlier this month. He was also named on Klopp’s bench for the 1-1 draw against Arsenal and 5-1 Carabao Cup triumph over West Ham. – and was rewarded with a new long-term contract four days before Christmas.
Speaking after a 3-1 win over Aston Villa last season, Klopp said: “We brought on Ben Doak and we see in the first situation how ‘cheeky’ he is and we have others in the background,” said Klopp. “Bobby Clark, another famous name in England, and the kid is a really good player as well so the future is bright.”
Conor Bradley, Luke Chambers, Calum Scanlon, James McConnell, Tom Hill Kaide Gordon and Lewis Koumas were among the other fledgling talents who trained with the first team ahead of the Newcastle encounter.
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