18 February 2023 , 08:00
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Liverpool are expected to make just one change for their mouthwatering clash with Newcastle on Saturday evening.
The Reds are hoping to continue their turnaround following Monday's win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby. But a difficult challenge awaits, with Newcastle flying high in the table and well in the race to secure a surprise Champions League qualification place.
But boss Jurgen Klopp has received a huge boost in his hopes to kickstart his side's season. That boost comes in the form of the return to full fitness of star defender Virgil van Dijk, who had been forced to sit out of the three games leading up to the win over Everton.
He was only able to sit on the bench at Anfield on Monday and did not come on as a substitute. But Klopp is expected to bring him back into the starting line-up against the Magpies.
That is the only change the German is expected make to the line-up which defeated the Toffees. If that is the case, Alisson would again start in goal, having comfortably kept his place as the Reds' number one.
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At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold should also continue, having laid on the assist for Cody Gakpo's goal against Everton. If he does start as expected, Van Dijk will line-up at centre-back.
HAVE YOUR SAY! What should be Liverpool's starting line-up for their clash with Newcastle? Comment below.
Trent Alexander-Arnold should continue at right-back for the RedsPartnering him could be Joe Gomez, given Joel Matip's recent struggles for form. The Van Dijk-Gomez partnership is one that was key as Liverpool lifted the Premier League title three years ago.
And completing the back four for the clash with Newcastle would be Andy Robertson, who has been a mainstay of the Reds. In midfield, Klopp is unlikely to change his winning formula.
That means that captain Jordan Henderson would continue alongside Fabinho and wonderkid Stefan Bajcetic. Having finally scored his first goal, Gakpo is likely to keep his place on the left wing.
Mohamed Salah should start on the right, with summer signing Darwin Nunez continuing to lead the line, despite Diogo Jota's return to fitness. Klopp is keen to extend his side's good run of form, but is under no illusions as to the test his side face.
"Massive game. So if we want to reach something this season, we have to chase everybody – especially the teams ahead of us in the table. There is no doubt about that. It's not easy, it will never be easy," he said.
"But I think the only way you can do it is to give it a try, and that's what we have to do, of course. But everybody knows that, you don't have to mention that. That's clear. So, tough one.
Klopp is under no illusions as to the task facing his side against Eddie Howe's Newcastle (Getty Images)"Newcastle, best defence in the league, lost only once, I heard now, and that was against us when we needed a late, late goal, so obviously very consistent – which is the first step into success, always.
"It will be absolutely interesting. It's a tough place to go, [it] was always for us. Hopefully we can build on the performance from Monday because that was obviously the main difference to other games we won.
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Liverpool's predicted starting line-up vs Newcastle: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Stefan Bajcetic; Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez