Diaz to be axed, three changes – Liverpool predicted XI v Newcastle
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is expected to make three changes to his starting line-up when his side host Newcastle on Wednesday.
The Reds went 11 points clear in the Premier League title race with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City on 23 February.
They will hoping to maintain that advantage over Arsenal when the Magpies travel to Merseyside (26 February) with the Gunners having a game-in-hand.
Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are expected to miss the Anfield contest and Luis Diaz could be dropped as Slot rings the changes.
Liverpool to make three changes for Newcastle clash
Alisson is expected to continue between the sticks after an excellent performance against Pep Guardiola’s side, the Brazilian stopper made five saves and 11 recoveries at the Etihad Stadium. [Fotmob]
Trent Alexander-Arnold is predicted to keep his place despite being dribbled past 11 times by Jeremy Doku, although he must be given credit for denying the Belgian several times after he had initially been beaten.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are expected to retain their starting roles with the duo making 14 clearances against the Citizens in an imperious showing.
Andy Robertson might lose his spot in the starting line-up to Kostas Tsimikas, the Scottish international won just three of six ground duels for a 50 per cent success rate in the contest.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch is predicted to retain his starting berth after making eight recoveries and winning all three ground duels that he contested for a 100 per cent success rate against the defending champions.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai might continue alongside the Dutchman in the engine room, the latter notching a goal and assist against Guardiola’s men.
Slot to make two changes in Liverpool attack
Mohamed Salah also scored and assisted, setting a new record in the process becoming the first player in Premier League history to register 40+ goal involvements in two separate seasons and is predicted to continue on the right flank.
Curtis Jones has operated as a double ten with Szoboszlai in the last two games but he might be dropped in favour of Diogo Jota for the contest.
Meanwhile, on the left wing, Cody Gakpo is expected to start over Luis Diaz after the Colombian completed 50 per cent of his dribbles, created zero chances and recorded just one shot on target against City, although like Salah he must be commended for his defensive work.
The Reds are looking to maintain their lead over Arsenal at the summit, which could be reduced to eight points with the game-in-hand that Mikel Arteta’s side have.
It would still be a comfortable margin but Slot’s side need to keep winning to keep the maximum amount of pressure on the Gunners in their chase for the title.