View: 100% Joe Gomez axed, three changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Newcastle
Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo could be axed when Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Wednesday despite their brilliant performances against Manchester City.
The trio were fantastic as the Reds increased their advantage at the top of the Premier League to nine points at Anfield with a dominant victory over the defending champions.
However, Arne Slot’s side face a rough festive period with eight games in 26 days therefore rotation will be key to ensure more injuries do not wreak havoc amongst his squad.
The Reds are already without Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley, Kostas Tsmikas and Diogo Jota for the trip to St James’ Park on 4 December.
Arne Slot to make several changes for Newcastle v Liverpool
Caoimhin Kelleher is set to keep his place in goal, with Alisson not ready to return yet from the hamstring injury he suffered against Crystal Palace (5 October).
The Reds boss confirmed that the plan is to have the Brazilian back as first-team number one by the end of December in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday (3 December).
The Irishman has been remarkable in his absence and continued his good run of form against the Citizens, making three saves, seven recoveries and preventing a total of 0.94xG. [Fotmob]
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start at right-back, the Manchester City contest was his most influential attacking performance under Slot so far, with the 26-year-old creating two chances, recording five passes into the final third and completing three accurate long balls out of five attempted.
Virgil van Dijk was immense against Pep Guardiola’s side, winning 75 per cent of his four aerial duels, making seven clearances and three interceptions.
He should be partnered by Jarell Quansah against the Magpies, with the 21-year-old impressing when he replaced Alexander-Arnold at right-back in the 73rd minute on Sunday.
Gomez has featured in just four Premier League matches so far this season but was impressive against City in Konate’s absence, making seven recoveries and winning the two duels he attempted for a 100 per cent success rate.
However, he will be needed to replace Alexander-Arnold who has just come back from injury in the later stages of the contest as Slot confirmed that the right-back will likely not play the full 90 minutes on Wednesday or in the Merseyside derby against Everton due to Conor Bradley’s absence.
Andy Robertson is expected to feature on the other flank with Tsmikas ruled out for at least the next month, the Scot made four recoveries and won 60 per cent of his five ground duels on Sunday in a solid defensive display.
Slot to change Liverpool’s engine room trio
The trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were key to the victory last weekend, not giving City any space and driving the Reds forward relentlessly, especially in the first half.
The Dutchman was immense as he was against Real Madrid in midweek beforehand and against Guardiola’s side, he created one chance, recorded three passes into the final third, made seven recoveries and won six of ten ground duels.
The decision to go with Szoboszlai over Curtis Jones raised eyebrows before the clash but it was a masterstroke from Slot as the Hungarian’s pace and power overwhelmed the Citizen’s midfield.
The 24-year-old created four chances, made five passes into the final third, made seven recoveries, one interception and won a total of four of his six duels attempted.
After scoring against Madrid, Mac Allister was at his best once again on Sunday, creating two chances, making six passes into the final third, winning all of the three tackles he attempted, making four recoveries and winning five of the eight ground duels he contested.
However, Jones should return to the starting XI in his place of Mac Allister, as the Argentine is rested after his industrious displays against Madrid and City.
Slot makes one swap in attack
Mohamed Salah will inevitably start on the right wing, the Egyptian has notched 18 goal contributions in 11 Premier League matches so far this campaign including a stunning assist and a goal from the spot in the City victory.
Slot admitted in his press conference that Federico Chiesa could return to the squad for the trip to Newcastle, but if he does play a role it will likely be from the bench.
Darwin Nunez was on the substitutes bench for the City clash but should return to the starting XI for the trip to St James’ Park where he scored a late double to complete a stunning comeback last season.
That leaves Slot with a dilemma, Gakpo or Luis Diaz to occupy the left wing and the latter should get the nod.
The Dutchman was brilliant in the City win, scoring the opener, creating a total of 1.41xG, taking nine touches in the opposition box, beating his man on both occasions for a 100 per cent dribble rate.
However, with so many games coming up in a short time period, he should be rested for this contest.
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot could be forced to give one Reds youngster a debut sooner rather later.
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