Gakpo To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Newcastle United | OneFootball

Despite Manchester City’s dismal run of form, a league double over the reigning champions is a statement from Liverpool who clinched a commanding 2-0 at Etihad to go 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the Premier League standings. The Reds, under Arne Slot, showed their defensive dominance on Sunday evening but are expected to exhibit their usual pressing and passing football while hosting Newcastle United on Wednesday night at Anfield.

The Magpies edged past Nottingham Forest in a seven-goal thriller at St James’ Park. An impressive run of results has brought them back into the ‘top four’ race, however, Eddie Howe’s men must showcase more composure at the back, particularly after a 4-0 defeat against the depleted Citizens in their previous away fixture. These two sides shared the spoils in the reverse tie back in December, and Liverpool, humbled by an injury-time equalizer from Fabian Schar, must avoid a similar setback having drawn with Everton and Aston Villa over the past two weeks.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Newcastle United

Defence

A clean sheet against the Skyblues must boost the confidence of Alisson Becker who missed the St James’ Park encounter due to an injury concern.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Curtis Jones of Liverpool is tackled by Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James’ Park on December 04, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold had a hard time against Jeremy Doku. The England right fullback would be targeted by his compatriot Anthony Gordon who holds a similar profile as to dribbling, mazy runs and swift footwork from the flank. Andrew Robertson, a shadow of his earlier self, should still get the nod over Kostas Tsimikas down the left. Both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk were rock-solid against City after a few below-par performances, and the gaffer must rely on the pair with Jarell Quansah being the only other alternative in deep defence amid Joe Gomez’s injury absence.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch is irreplaceable deep down the midfield given his control and confidence with the ball on his feet. Not only does he break down the opponents’ moves with timely interceptions but also stages swift attacking transitions with smart one-twos, link-up play and passes into the final third. The box-to-box movements and creative spark of Alexis Mac Allister would be key to creating chances high up the pitch.

Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a monstrous performance last weekend and the gaffer could restore him as a ‘number 10’ ahead of Curtis Jones who also impressed against City while spearheading the attack alongside the Hungarian. Slot should opt for a more attacking set-up with two outright wingers in Mohamed Salah and fit-again Cody Gakpo. Gakpo was brought in as a late substitute after a brief injury layoff, and Salah, with a 50-goal contribution already across competitions, would look to add more to his tally this midweek.

Attack

Neither Diogo Jota nor Darwin Nunez looked sharp enough high up the pitch, and the Dutch boss could prefer Luis Diaz as a ‘number 9’ in the starting XI.