Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool host Newcastle United in the first of many games in this weekend’s Premier League clashes. The two clubs have two very different aspirations for the season, however, the urgency to get on with their goals is similar for both teams.
Liverpool are looking to find themselves a top-four spot so that they can take part in next year’s Champions League, whereas Newcastle are just a few good results away from securing themselves another season in the Premier League.
WHEN & WHERE?
Time: 12:30 PM (BST)
Date: Saturday, 24th April
Where: Anfield, Liverpool.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Team News:
Nat Phillips’ sudden absence in the game against Leeds United on Monday night came as a surprise to most. The centre-back suffered a minor hamstring injury which forced Fabinho to fill in at the back. However, Phillips was pictured in training today, although he was only doing running work.
On a more positive note, Curtis Jones is back in full team training after missing the last two league games. Jones’s development in the 2020/21 season has been one of the only bright aspects of Liverpool’s season, so having him back is a boost.
Newcastle United Team News:
Since recovering from COVID-19 and a groin injury, Allan Saint-Maximin has been key for the Magpies. However, his availability has come into question yet again after picking up a knock in the recent game against West Ham. Manager, Steve Bruce, said, “Saint-Maximin got a bad swollen ankle, which he did after 10 minutes. We hope he’s going to be OK. We’ll see later on in the week.”
Apart from the winger, Newcastle will be without their central defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar who are likely to be out until the end of the season. The same is with Isaac Hayden, who suffered a knee injury in March during the game against Brighton.
RECENT FORM
Liverpool’s recent Premier League form (D-W-W-W-L)
The Reds were held to a draw at Elland Road in their most recent league game owing to a late-headed goal from Diego Llorente which canceled out Sadio Mane’s opener in the first half. This was after three consecutive victories against Wolves, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in the league. In fact, the game against Villa was the team’s first win at Anfield in over 4 months, and they’ll be hoping to register another on Saturday.
Newcastle United’s recent Premier League form (W-W-D-L-D):
A late winner from Joe Willock ensured that the Toons took all three points in their most recent league game against an in-form West Ham United. Having secured eight points in their last five games, they will be confident of snatching a draw in their visit it to Anfield.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs Leeds United (4-3-3): Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Ozan Kabak, Andy Robertson, James Milner, Thiago, Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane.
Newcastle United’s Predicted XI vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Martin Dubravka, Jacob Murphy, Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock, Calum Wilson, Joelinton.
