In preparation for the forthcoming Premier League match against Newcastle, Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle select their starting lineups.
Ian Doyle: Enter Gomez and Endo
The attempts in the North East to incite a bitter, vicious rivalry between Liverpool and Newcastle strike me as odd.
There’s none. But that doesn’t mean that the Reds’ afternoon in Tyneside for their Premier League match later today won’t be challenging.
And in the majority of the field, Jurgen Klopp must make some significant choices.
Ibrahima Konate’s fitness at center-back is in doubt, therefore I wouldn’t take a chance with him. Instead, Joe Gomez’s extra speed over Joel Matip will help the team. He can play alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, with Alisson Becker in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back, and Andy Robertson on the left.
With Alexis Mac Allister to his right and Dominik Szoboszai on his left, Wataru Endo makes his entire debut in the middle of the field.
In place of the unfortunate Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo can now play as the false number nine, with Luis Diaz on the left wing and Mohamed Salah on the right, for what we hope won’t be his final match for Liverpool.
To go this week regardless of the money is a little foolish, I suppose. The Saudis will still be interested in Salah next year when they can genuinely take action that appears to show they are serious about wanting him rather than waiting until the very last minute as if Salah is some kind of a non-player.
Newcastle has only defeated Liverpool once under Jurgen Klopp, but you have a feeling that the Magpies will be eagerly anticipating this match.
The Reds only defeated the top six of the previous season at St James’ Park, so a victory today would turn a good start into a great one.
How to handle Ibrahima Konate’s potential absence is the key question. Despite requests for Joe Gomez, I’m going to choose Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk instead. At full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson remain in position.