Arne Slot angers Liverpool fans as Gakpo news revealed v Newcastle
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has made two changes to his side that host Newcastle on Wednesday.
He has stuck with the majority of the team that started the 2-0 win over Manchester City (23 February) that took the Reds 11 points clear at the summit.
The Anfield outfit could be 14 points ahead in the Premier League title race if results go in their favour and Slot’s selection reflects how important the contest is.
However, one decision that the Dutchman has made has left supporters baffled ahead of the clash.
Liverpool make two changes for Newcastle clash
The only changes made by the Reds boss are Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas replacing Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson.
Cody Gakpo is on the bench after returning from injury against Pep Guardiola’s side with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah completing the attack.
The Egyptian will be hoping to bag more goal contributions and take himself even closer to the all-time Premier League single-season record.
Up the Reds ✊🔴 #LIVNEW
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 26, 2025
Gakpo decision leaves Liverpool fans stunned
Slot’s decision to leave Gakpo out has left supporters stunned on social media before the contest.
| Stats | Goals | Assists | Chances created |
| Gakpo (Premier League) | 8 | 3 | 30 |
One supporter said that the Dutchman missing so many games “is starting to frustrate me.”
Meanwhile another fan questioned the decision asking “why does Gakpo never start?”
Man gakpo missing all these games is starting to frustrate me
— Gakpo general fc (@fc_gakpogeneral) February 26, 2025
WHY DOES GAKPO NEVER START💔
— Mabzino☔️ (@Mabz24z) February 26, 2025
Surprised Diaz still gets in ahead of Gakpo.
— T (@FSGApologist) February 26, 2025
Gakpo should be starting. #lfc https://t.co/R6G0WAoJx0
— Elliot ⚽️🏈🎮 (@SourEnvy) February 26, 2025
Should have been Gakpo over Diaz
— carl lewis (@CarlE34361) February 26, 2025
Gakpo for diaz and it would have been perfect
— – (@Anfi3ld1892) February 26, 2025
Apart from gakpo not starting, that’s the lineup I was expecting
— Nguginho™ 👾 (@KenyanSc0user) February 26, 2025
Probably trying to manage his minutes since he just came back from injury
Omg
— ogbu miracle (@ogbu_jnr) February 26, 2025
Why is Gakpo still on the bench, he should be starting this games
By Slot comments I expected Gakpo to start and Jota to be benched 😅. https://t.co/Tyt3AyvHwh
— El Profe FPL (Martín) 🇨🇴 (@ElProfeFPL) February 26, 2025
No Gakpo ffsss
— ²⁷ 🇵🇸 (@RoarKopite) February 26, 2025
The former PSV winger has enjoyed a fine season since being shifted to the left flank rather than a central role, where he struggled under Jurgen Klopp.
He has notched eight goals and three assists in 15 league matches but it is likely that Slot is managing his minutes with him only just returning to action.
There is no doubt that Gakpo will be called upon from the bench if necessary but the Reds boss will hope that he is not needed and the starting trio can fire the L4 outfit ahead early and the defence can hold the lead.
It could potentially be a huge night in the title race if the Merseysiders secure victory and Arsenal drop points once again after the defeat to West Ham last weekend.