Arne Slot has a number of difficult decisions to make ahead of Liverpool’s tip to Newcastle United on Wednesday
After defeating the champions of Europe and England in back-to-back matches last week, Liverpool return to action away at Newcastle United on Wednesday. Now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table, Arne Slot’s men will be determined to maintain such an advantage at St. James’ Park.
The Reds have been stung by injury recently, with Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas all set to be missing for a few weeks. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how close Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are to returning.
Slot made four changes against Man City, though two of them were enforced. With Liverpool navigating a quick turnaround, with a Merseyside derby away at Everton looming next Saturday lunchtime, the ECHO takes a look at the changes the Dutchman could make at Newcastle…
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Please don’t get injured
Slot would point out both before and after the win over City that he is down to just five available defenders, with his backline against Newcastle likely to be unchanged as a result.
Jarell Quansah is an alternative to come in if the Dutchman is tempted to reshuffle, with Joe Gomez able to fill in in either full-back position if Trent Alexander-Arnold or Andy Robertson are afforded a rest. Liverpool will have everything crossed they avoid anymore defensive injuries.
Meanwhile, Slot has already confirmed that Alisson Becker will reclaim starting status in goal when back fit. If still unavailable, the in-form Caoimhin Kelleher continues between the sticks.
One midfield change
Dominik Szoboszlai impressed after being recalled to the starting XI against Man City, and will hope to retain his place at St. James’ Park. Curtis Jones is the alternative to the Hungarian in the attacking midfield role, with Slot regularly rotating between the pair in recent weeks.
The Dutchman could select both, with the England international dropping into a deeper role alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister dropping to the bench.
Harvey Elliott made his first appearance since August after a fractured foot against Man City, but is likely to be limited to substitute action once again. Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton make up the Reds’ midfield options.
Darwin Nunez starts
Having tormented Newcastle United off the bench away at St. James’ Park last season, it would not be a surprise to see Darwin Nunez recalled to the starting XI on Wednesday night.
If so, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo will be left vying to start on the left-wing. The Dutchman has six goals from his last seven games and could get the nod, with it perhaps the Colombian’s turn to be rotated out the side.
Mohamed Salah will start on the right, while it remains unclear if Jota or Chiesa are fit enough yet to return to the travelling squad.
