Reds to make four changes? – Injuries, team news and predicted lineup vs Newcastle

LFC Globe
4th May 2019
Liverpool FC

All the latest team news ahead of Liverpool's trip to St. James' Park to face in the .

The Reds suffered a blow in their semi-final against , losing 3-0 in the first-leg on Wednesday night.

However, their attention returns to the Premier League title race, with victory over Rafa Benitez's side taking them back to the top of the table.

are not in action until Monday night, when they face Leicester at the Etihad, and a Liverpool victory is sure to add some pressure to Pep Guardiola's side.

Jurgen Klopp made four changes to his side at Camp Nou in midweek and we expect a similar number of changes to his line-up for the clash against Newcastle.

Trent to return; Gomez or Matip?

Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

One of the four changes Klopp made against Barcelona was , who replaced in the Reds backline.

Gomez, who made his comeback from injury just over a fortnight ago, was handed his first start since December and he put in a solid enough performance at Camp Nou.

However, Gomez is no natural right-back and this showed in his attacking display against Ernesto Valverde's side. Alexander-Arnold's link-up play with was sorely missed, however he should make a return to the starting eleven on Saturday evening.

Gomez is likely to be back on the substitutes bench, although Klopp could opt to reunite him with at the heart of defence, where he flourished during the first half of the campaign.

The more probable scenario is Klopp sticking with Joel Matip in defence, with the 27-year-old impressing when called upon in recent months.

impressed against Barcelona and he is certain to start whilst Reds goalkeeper Alisson will be looking to beat Pepe Reina's record of 20 clean-sheets in a Premier League season.

Defence: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson

Oxlade-Chamberlain's unlikely start?

Liverpool FC

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool will be without Naby Keita for the rest of the season after the Guinean suffered a "really serious injury" to his adductor muscle in midweek.

Keita started alongside and in the Reds midfield at Camp Nou, however replaced him mid-way through the first-half.

The Reds skipper is likely to return to the starting eleven, and with Klopp wary of Newcastle's attacking threat, he could partner Fabinho in the middle of the park.

Milner could also be given a starting role, however it is more probable that Klopp keeps him on the bench after Wednesday night's exertions.

, who played in the false nine position last time around, is the most likely to join Henderson and Fabinho in midfield, although Klopp could spring a surprise in his selection.

Newcastle vs Liverpool

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

The boss, whilst confirming Keita's injury, emphasised how important it was to have back from injury.

It would be a big surprise to see the midfielder starting his first game after a year out, however he looked the part after making his comeback from injury against last time around.

He would offer something different to the rest of Liverpool's midfielders, who put in a big shift against the likes of Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets, and could show signs of fatigue just three days later.

Wijnaldum is still the more likely candidate as Klopp's third midfielder, with still failing to get a serious look-in.

Midfield: Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum

Firmino's possible return a huge boost

Liverpool FC

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Klopp didn't give anything to reporters when asked whether would be fit enough to start, saying: "We will see."

The Brazilian came on for the final 11 minutes in Spain and opened up Barcelona's defence on a couple of occasions, having a shot cleared off the line in the closing stages.

Firmino's importance to this Liverpool side cannot be understated and the Reds could have done with him from the start, with Wijnaldum failing to influence much of proceedings in his place.

He looked sharp after coming on and, despite Klopp keeping coy about his fitness, it would be a surprise if he didn't start up front for Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are certain starters in attack and will be looking to get back to goalscoring ways against the Magpies.

Salah leads the Golden Boot race with 21 goals for the season whilst Mane is joint-second with Man City's Sergio Aguero with 20.

Defence: Salah, Firmino, Mane

Predicted Lineup

Newcastle vs Liverpool

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane
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