Liverpool
Liverpool could make five changes against Newcastle, with the return of injuries
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The Premier League matchup between Liverpool and Newcastle is coming up, and Jurgen Klopp may have some difficult choices to make.
On Boxing Day, Liverpool defeated a struggling Burnley team to continue their strong Premier League play.
After substituting for Darwin Nunez late in the game, Diogo Jota scored his first goal as the Reds defeated Arsenal 2-0 at Turf Moor to go two points clear of the leaders despite having played one more game.
On New Year’s Day, Liverpool will now play Newcastle United in the Premier League, who are currently in poor form. And here we look ahead to the adjustments Jurgen Klopp could make when his club are next in action.
Although Klopp used a more extensive rotation than maybe expected against Burnley, the players will be well-rested after their two days off because they had a demanding December schedule to finish. This implies that the manager of the Reds will probably start as strong a lineup as possible when Newcastle comes to town.
Alisson Becker is anticipated to stay in goal, with Caoimhin Kelleher ready for League Cup and maybe FA Cup action in the first part of January. Adrian comes in third. Due to injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, Luke Chambers will cover for the versatile Joe Gomez at left back for the time being. Trent Alexander-Arnold leads the right-back position, with Conor Bradley, who is back in shape, serving as his backup.
Although Ibrahima Konate was rested against Burnley, he is expected to start alongside captain Virgil van Dijk at centre back in place of the excellent Jarell Quansah. The season is over for Joel Matip.
Mac Allister boost?
Given that the Argentine can play left of the trio as well as number six, Liverpool may have more alternatives in the engine room with the possible return of Alexis Mac Allister.
Wataru Endo, who has been playing well in defensive midfield lately, is available one last time before serving with Japan in the Asia Cup. Curtis Jones took Ryan Gravenberch’s starting position against Burnley and will be vying for the starting position.
Harvey Elliott was benched in favour of Dominik Szoboszlai on the right side of the midfield trio, where the two are still in competition for the position. While Bobby Clark and James McConnell, two young players, have recently been used as substitutes in the Premier League, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic remain out.
Against Burnley, Nunez and Cody Gakpo both made strong plays down the middle and on the left, challenging for a starting spot in either position. Luis Diaz is another contender for a left-wing position; he came off the bench to help Jota.
This season, Salah has been a constant on the right side; in Ben Doak’s absence, Elliott and Kaide Gordon are the backups.
More news……
Liverpool adviced as one to watch for top Arsenal transfer target
In the transfer war for Juventus youngster and alleged Arsenal target Kenan Yildiz, Liverpool is apparently one team to monitor.
Arsenal is reportedly interested in the highly-rated teenage Turkey international, according to reports from the Italian publication Calciomercato, but it appears that the Gunners are not the only team after the player.
According to the most recent report from Corriere dello Sport, which Sport Witness reported and translated, Liverpool appears to be a firm fan of Yildiz as well, and Juventus should be wary of the Reds’ attempts to sign the uneasy 18-year-old.
In order to replace Mohamed Salah in the long run, Liverpool would be wise to acquire a top young attacking player such as this one, given players like Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have not had the best luck with injuries lately.
In the meanwhile, Arsenal would be well to bolster their offensive depth as well, since it seems likely that a major loss to Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka would spell difficulty for them.
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