In one of the toughest tests of the year, Liverpool travels to St. James’ Park for a game that will reveal where the Reds stand at this early stage of the Premier League season.
Premier League #3: Newcastle vs. Liverpool | St James’ Park August 27, 2023 | 4.30pm (BST)
When playing Bournemouth, Jurgen Klopp’s team performed well to finish the game with 10 men, but same composure will be required if they are to win anything on Sunday.
The anxieties from the first half must be put to rest because Newcastle will be ready to pounce if Liverpool’s defense begins to falter.
If the Reds win, they will have made a statement in an electrified stadium with a fantastic atmosphere.
1. Mac Allister is a musician!
AUGUST 19, 2023, SATURDAY, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: During the FA Premier League game between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister is dismissed for a high challenge on Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie. (Propaganda image by David Rawcliffe)
Alexis Mac Allister was expected to be suspended after being dismissed last weekend.
Thankfully, the FA reversed its judgment and showed some common sense, allowing the Argentine to play for the Reds once more.
It is a huge relief since he might not have been able to participate in a Premier League game for another month if the red card hadn’t been reversed.
2. News regarding injuries
This week’s injury statistics include both good and bad news.
According to Klopp, Ibrahima Konate “is a doubt” with a muscle issue. Curtis Jones and Thiago will both be absent because they both have Monday returns scheduled.
The good news is that Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was injured last weekend, is now healthy.
3. Predicted lineup for LFC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023: During the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield, Liverpool’s replacement Joe Gomez replaces Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool triumphed 3-1.
The crucial question is what would transpire if Konate didn’t win.
The other two defensive alternatives for Klopp are Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. Gomez might replace Matip because Matip has acknowledged that he doesn’t fit playing in Liverpool’s new system.
The 26-year-old should be able to play the position given his quickness and poise under pressure, but he hasn’t had much practice in it yet.
In order to help out defensively with a slightly depleted backline, Klopp might start Wataru Endo. Cody Gakpo might also join the false-nine.
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Gomez; Van Dijk; Robertson; Endo; Szoboszlai; Mac Allister; Salah; Gakpo; Diaz; Predicted Liverpool XI
4. In relation to injuries…
The injury to Konate was practically a given, and Klopp was questioned about his defense’s depth.
The manager said, implying he wanted more, “In a perfect world, we have six, seven, or eight center halves. With injuries, luck is a need.
The boys we have are of the highest caliber, and we also have the incredibly brilliant player Jarell Quansah. Although we are now covered, the world is not a perfect place where you can be totally ready for anything.
We’ll try our hardest to put up a team for next week so we can respond to just about anything. That seems possible. We’ll find out.
5. Magpies’ eyes have a sparkle.
Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Newcastle United FC at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, March 4, 2023 in Manchester, England. Man City triumphed by a score of 2-0.
Newcastle are here to stay, according to the early indications.
6. Joelinton “fine” but still some doubt
Howe has a reasonably full roster from which to choose. Joe Willock, who has already scored twice against Liverpool in his short career, is absent, though.
Before the game, Howe provided an update on Joelinton, who was the Magpies’ biggest injury question mark heading into the weekend.
Joelinton is well, according to their manager. We have our fingers crossed that he’s OK because we didn’t see him till later in the week when he trained.
That certainly raise some questions, but if he is “fine,” he ought to be fine to begin with.
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes might make up Newcastle’s starting lineup.
7. Selecting a club first
For the first time in their history, the Reds hope to win three straight league games at Newcastle.
Additionally, Liverpool’s recent performance versus the Magpies has been impressive; in the past five seasons, the Reds have defeated Newcastle four times in league play.
In truth, Gini Wijnaldum scored for Newcastle in their victory over Liverpool in December 2015.
8. Salah gave the Reds his “100 percent” attention.
This week, Salah has been the focus of rumors that suggest he may be moving to Al-ittihad.
This weekend, Liverpool will play a Saudi-backed team closer to home, but Salah will be entirely focused on the contest.
9. Who is the referee
