Now that we know that the Champions League will actually be one thing next season, Liverpool should go down to qualify for it, right?
Jurgen Klopp’s team has the advantage of an early Saturday start, and with that, a golden opportunity will hit the top four and put some pressure on Chelsea, West Ham and Spurs to get results later this weekend.
Monday’s draw with Leeds was a bit of a sicker one though, and Liverpool will need to improve against a re-emerging Newcastle team. Steve Bruce’s side has just alleviated their relegation concerns with back-to-back victories for the first time this year, and they have a history of making life difficult for the Reds.
So who should Klopp choose to take care of business against the Magpies? Let’s take a look.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was close to his best against Leeds | Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Alisson (GK) – Not much doubt here, unless he picks up one of his signature niggling before kick-off injuries. The Brazilian’s commanding presence more than compensates for occasional clans.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) – Assist against Arsenal, goal against Aston Villa, assist against Leeds. Alexander-Arnold has rediscovered his mojo just in time for Liverpool.
Ozan Kabak (CB) – Hungary has been cautiously impressed since he came on loan from Schalke and it seems more and more likely that he will earn a permanent move.
Fabinho (CB) – Nat Phillips will miss again and Klopp knows that he can trust that Fabinho will return.
Andy Robertson (LB) – Sir Alex Ferguson recently described him as “incredible.” And when Sir Alex Ferguson can ‘t believe how good you are, you’re probably in line for a start against Newcastle.
Thiago jumps past Kalvin Phillips | Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Thiago (CM) – He has had a sticky start to his Liverpool career but is steadily becoming an important presence in midfield. Looks like he’s getting his confidence back, which will worry Newcastle.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – Without Henderson and Fabinho likely to be required at the back, it falls to Klopp’s constantly reliable Dutchman to be the core of the Liverpool team.
Curtis Jones (CM) – Back after a couple of games with injury, it is important that Jones gets speed again for the run-in. But Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita or James Milner could easily get in.
Sadio Mane goes out for Mohamed Salah against Leeds Pool / Getty Images
Mohamed Salah (RW) – With a rest against Leeds, Liverpool’s top scorer will become champions to get back into the team and back among the goals.
Roberto Firmino (CF) – Gone are the days when Liverpool’s top three choose themselves. Diogo Jota will be available despite a lack of training during the week, but if there is any doubt about his sharpness, he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Sadio Mane (LW) – The Senegalese had a 20-minute rest against Leeds, which usually indicates that he is in the next match. Rediscovered his influence recently with three goal mixes in his last four league games.
