Joe Gomez will replace Ibrahima Konate when Liverpool take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
Liverpool will look to pick up a morale-boosting win against fellow top-four contenders Newcastle United away at St. James’ Park on Sunday evening. But Jurgen Klopp has a new fitness concern hampering his preparations ahead of the trip up north.
The Reds will likely be without the services of Ibrahima Konate on Sunday. The French international is currently out of Sunday’s encounter against Newcastle United due to a muscle issue. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister are available.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Alexander-Arnold picked up a knock against Bournemouth and Mac Allister has had his red card overturned after a successful appeal. Meanwhile, Thiago Alcântara and Curtis Jones are closing in on a return, but they aren’t likely to feature here.
During his pre-match press conference, Klopp said, “Trent yes. Thiago from Monday on. Curtis from Monday on. And Ibou is a doubt. Yeah, playing 40 minutes with 10 men didn’t help, let me say it like that. But that’s the situation. The rest should be available.”
Liverpool are likely to continue with their usual 4-3-3 formation, with Alisson Becker in goal. Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will occupy the usual full-back positions. The two players will look to add creativity to the site apart from the defensive duties. Meanwhile, in the absence of Konate, Joe Gomez could partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
Wataru Endo is likely to start as the defensive midfielder here, with Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai on either side of him. Endo will look to break up the opposition attacks, while Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will look to add creativity and control to the side.
In the final third, Cody Gakpo is expected to lead the line for the visitors. The Dutch international’s ability to hold up the ball and link up with his teammates gives him an edge over Darwin Nunez. Against Newcastle United, Liverpool could use his playmaking abilities. Mohamed Salah will continue on the right with Luis Diaz on the left. The two players will look to add flair and pace to the side.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Endo; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
