Predicted Newcastle United line-up to face Liverpool in the Premier League
After playing a rather bore draw against Fulham on Saturday, Newcastle United now face an uphill task of playing against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Boxing day. The Magpies have been in decent form in the past month or so, clearing them up from the danger zone in the process. However, with games coming thick and fast, Rafa Benitez’s men need to keep grinding.
They are up against a Liverpool team who are topping the table, four points clear of supposedly the best team in the land, Manchester City. This is probably enough to indicate that Newcastle have a very high mountain to climb if they are to get anything tomorrow.
Team News
Jonjo Shelvey is still suffering from the thigh injury and may miss this game as well. Ciaran Clark has a foot problem and will have a late fitness test. Ki Sung-Yueng is out for a month due to commitments with his country for the AFC Asian Cup. Florian Lejeune is a long-term absentee.
Probable Newcastle United XI
Formation: 5-4-1
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Martin Dubravka (GK)
His saves have always been key to the progress of the team. All of them combined could be required against Liverpool.
DeAndre Yedlin (RWB)
Newcastle would need someone to join attacks at pace and Yedlin can do that from the wing-back position.
Fabian Schar (RCB)
Schar needs to be at his best if the Magpies are to shut down a dangerous attacking team.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The captain will have to step up in this game, organise the back-line and just hope the spaces are covered. Being the central defender, his job is the toughest of all.
Federico Fernandez (LCB)
Benitez is slightly short on centre-back options with Clark and Lejeune out. Expect Fernandez, who is now fit again, to start at Anfield.
Paul Dummett (LWB)
A defensive-minded left wing-back will be the way to go for the Magpies. Dummett can make forward runs if required.
Matt Ritchie (LW)
He has been playing at left wing-back for a few games now, hence, the ex-Bournemouth man can track back and help the defence out.
Isaac Hayden (CM)
With Ki and Shelvey out, expect Hayden to start in central midfield.
Mohamed Diame (CM)
He has been an ever-present in the team. With all the lack of options, Benitez cannot afford to rest him.
Kenedy (RW)
The Brazilian can offer that out ball alongside Salomon Rondon when Newcastle try to break forward on the counter.
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Salomon Rondon (ST)
The Venezuelan will have the thankless job of being an isolated man, fighting for loose balls with Liverpool centre-backs.
