Liverpool will face Newcastle United on Boxing Day at the Anfield. Liverpool will be desperate to maintain the 4 points gap with Manchester City till the end of this year. Newcastle United at home might just be the ideal fixture, Jurgen Klopp wish to have before the year ending match against the Gunners. A lot of rotation is expected to take place today. However, Liverpool played against Wolves just a week ago. So they might not have to rest many players in this match.
Team News :
Liverpool :
Jurgen Klopp’s approach towards the home game against the minnows in the League has been so far so good. The Reds tried to keep their composure, secure their win and keep a clean sheet in those matches. It’s the same way, Klopp will like to approach this time too.
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino might start from the bench in this match. Mohamed Salah will also have his minutes managed in this match. Klopp can take off the star Egyptian player after 60 minutes in this match.
The sources are telling that Andrew Robertson might be benched too in this match. Alberto Moreno might start in this match against Newcastle United on Wednesday. The official website of Liverpool stated that Naby Keita and Trent Alexander Arnold were back in the training. However, it might be too early to see them in the starting lineup of the Reds. Nathaniel Clyne might hold his position at the right back position in this match too. Virgil Van Dijk and Dejan Lovren are going to start as the pair in the central defense.
James Milner can also be rested in this match to keep him fit ahead of the game against the Gunners. James Milner is a big match player and Jurgen Klopp will not wish to field a team without him against Arsenal. Xherdan Shaqiri did not play a single minute in the previous match of Liverpool against Wolves. So, it will not be unexpected if Xherdan Shaqiri start in this match for Liverpool. Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge will surely come from the bench at some point of the match. Divock Origi is also in the contention to make it to the match-day squad against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Newcastle United :
Newcastle United will miss the service of Ki Sung-Yeung as he is now with his national side’s teammates preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup. However, Jonjo Shelvey might be back in the match-day squad for Newcastle United on Wednesday. Kennedy will also start for the away side at the Anfield.
Rafa Benitez gave a hint of rotating his side in this festive period. According to him, the teams should use their bench strength in this time of the season to avoid injuries of the players.
Predicted Starting Eleven :
Liverpool : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Alisson
Defenders : Clyne, Van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson
Midfielders : Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum
Attackers : Salah, Shaqiri, Firmino.
Newcastle United : (3-5-2)
Goalkeeper : Dubravka
Defenders : Schar, Lascelles, Dummett.
Midfielders : Ritchie, Yedlin, Diame, Kenedy, Atsu
Attackers : Rondon, Perez.
My Predicted Scoreline :
Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United.
