Liverpool make two changes to their starting lineup for today’s high-profile Premier League clash with Newcastle.
Joel Matip comes into the heart of defence to replace the injured Ibrahima Konate, while new £16million signing from Stuttgart Wataru Endo makes his maiden Reds start in midfield, with Diogo Jota dropping to the bench.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was taken off late in the win over Bournemouth last time out and appeared to be suffering from an injury. However, manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed ahead of the trip to St James’ Park that Alexander-Arnold is fit to play and he starts as expected.
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Klopp suggested in his pre-match press conference on Friday that his players suffered from extra fatigue following Alexis Mac Allister’s red card against Bournemouth, which has since been overturned. The Argentine keeps his place in midfield on Tyneside.
“Playing with ten men didn't help, that's the situation,” he stated.
Thiago Alcantara and Curtis Jones are due to return to training on Monday, meaning they both miss the Newcastle match.
Klopp does introduce Endo to shore up his midfield in what is a full debut for the Japanese signing, who serves as a more defensive option in the centre of the park.
Luis Diaz keeps his place in attack after scoring last weekend, with Mohamed Salah starting along with Cody Gakpo after rumours of him leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia were dismissed.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Salah, Gakpo
Subs: Gomez, Nunez, Elliott, Jota, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Doak, Kelleher, Quansah
Injuries: Thiago, Jones, Konate
Time and date: 4.30pm, Sunday August 27, 2023
Venue: St James’ Park
