Florian Wirtz axed in two changes – Liverpool predicted XI vs Newcastle
Arne Slot is expected to make two changes to his starting line-up when Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Monday.
The Reds bested Bournemouth 4-2 in their opening Premier League match, with Hugo Ekitike impressing on his competitive Anfield bow.
The clash with the Magpies on 25 August is expected to be a tense affair given Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak, with the forward escalating things earlier this week.
Slot will be without Jeremie Frimpong and possibly Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, so could have to employ a makeshift solution at right-back.
Liverpool could make two changes for Newcastle clash
Alisson is expected to retain his place between the sticks. The Brazilian made seven recoveries and one save against the Cherries, per Fotmob.
With all three of his right-backs potentially missing out, Curtis Jones might be drafted in to cover in the backline.
At the heart of defence, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are predicted to keep their places; the latter won the most duels in the opener with 13 out of the 14 that he attempted.
| Stats | Konate | Van Dijk |
| Pass accuracy | 29/33 (88%) | 63/74 (85%) |
| Ground duels won | 2/4 (50%) | 1/1 (100%) |
| Aerial duels won | 0/0 | 12/13 (92%) |
| Recoveries | 5 | 4 |
Milos Kerkez enjoyed playing at St James’ Park last season, notching a goal for his former side, and he is expected to start on the left side of defence.
Ryan Gravenberch is back available for selection after missing the last two matches, and the Dutchman is expected to partner Alexis Mac Allister at the base of midfield.
Florian Wirtz to be dropped for Newcastle test
Wirtz went under the radar in his league debut, but his underlying numbers were impressive, as he created three chances and made 12 passes into the final third.
However, he might be sacrificed for Dominik Szoboszlai, who offers a considerable presence when the Reds are without the ball due to his pressing abilities, with Gravenberch returning to the fold.
Mohamed Salah is expected to remain on the right-hand side, after notching a goal against Andoni Iraola’s side and taking nine touches in the opposition box.
Ekitike is the only recognised striker on the books at the moment, and he has started his Reds career brilliantly, so he is predicted to get the nod up front.
- Ekitike notched a goal and an assist against Bournemouth
- He also created two chances
- Four touches in the opposition box
Cody Gakpo might complete the line-up; he got the second goal against the Cherries and was a constant threat, taking seven touches in the opposition box.
The North East contest represents a huge test of Slot’s side’s title ambitions, and if they pass it with flying colours, they will be very confident of retaining their crown.
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