Newcastle predicted lineup vs Liverpool - Premier League
By Euan Burns
Newcastle United's season is stuttering slightly after a worrying number of draws in the Premier League and some fans may be concerned Champions League qualification is going to slip away.
Those fears would be quickly swept aside if they can get all three points against Liverpool at home on Saturday evening, but they are without plenty of players and there are others that are trying to recover soon enough from injury.
Here is the side Eddie Howe may call upon this weekend to ensure Newcastle get back to winning ways after three Premier League draws in a row and four in the last five.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-3-3)
GK: Nick Pope - The form of Nick Pope is making Gareth Southgate's choice of number one goalkeeper for the next set of matches very interesting. He is consistently performing at a high level and is giving Southgate something to think about.
RB: Kieran Trippier - A real leader within the squad, Trippier is a player Howe trusts with his life right now and he will be one of the experienced heads for what is a very big game.
CB: Fabian Schar - He was very much the type of player that may have feared he'd be replaced by a big signing when the takeover happened, but his consistent form has made him undroppable for Newcastle.
CB: Sven Botman - Along with Schar, this is now one of the most settled centre-back pairings in the Premier League as the pair complement each other so well. Botman was a very smart signing from the Magpies.
LB: Dan Burn - It still looks weird, but the form is Burn at left back cannot be argued with and there is no need to change something which is working.
CM: Miguel Almiron - He has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season and while the recent minor dip in form will be a concern, Howe isn't set to move away from Almiron any time soon.
CM: Sean Longstaff - Another player that may have feared being replaced when the takeover, Longstaff is a vital player in a position where there is a lot of competition. He is tasked with leading the midfield in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes.
CM: Joelinton - This is not his best position but with injuries affecting the side, it is one where he is able to do an effective job for Howe after such a tough start to his Newcastle career.
RW: Allan Saint-Maximin - It is assumed that he will be passed as fit to start this game but he is a slight doubt. Against a rickety Liverpool defence, he will be keen to leave his mark.
ST: Callum Wilson - His ongoing battle with Alexander Isak for the starting spot has been fascinating and it appears to be really healthy for both players. Wilson gets the nod here for his experience.
LW: Anthony Gordon - The former Liverpool youth player is likely to get a chance to redeem himself ever so slightly with Everton fans. Injuries mean he could get the nod on the wing and he will have a big role to play.
Watch 90min's TFP as Harry Symeou, Scott Saunders, Grizz Khan & Hunter Godson preview the weekend's Premier League action and reflect on Manchester City's 3-1 win at Arsenal that blows the title race wide open.
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