Newcastle United have expressed concern as Jamaal Lascelles returns to the Magpies' Premier League starting line-up ahead of tonight's clash against Liverpool.
Club captain Lascelles has only featured on one occasion this season, scoring in a 2-1 victory against League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
However, boss Eddie Howe has entrusted Lascelles to help keep out a Liverpool side that put nine goals past Bournemouth at the weekend, a result which equalled Premier League records and saw Scott Parker sacked.
READ MORE: Liverpool vs Newcastle United LIVE: Updates and early team news from Anfield as Howe makes changes
The club captain is partnered by Dan Burn in defence, with Sven Botman and Fabian Schar both dropping to the bench. Matt Targett also returns to the back line.
In attack, club record signing Alexander Isak makes his debut after receiving clearance to feature this afternoon. The former Borussia Dortmund star replaces Chris Wood in attack whilst Ryan Fraser comes in for the injured Allan Saint-Maximin.
This is how supporters reacted on social media after the line-up was announced.
@dan_thom: This is an odd change in defence. Liverpool unchanged but we change our central defence pairing
@kylethomaswest: Lascelles starting this game is terrifying. Doesn’t have the legs to deal with Liverpool’s attack. Nor does Burn, to be honest. Surprised by that back line. Rest is as good as we could do, given injuries.
@cpwheaton: I can't see the logic in playing Lascelles ahead of Botman or Schar unless we want to give Liverpool a chance on improving on their last result
@NickBrown84_: Longstaff and Lascelles.... Gonna be a long 90 minutes.
@MiddleMatthew: So many games within a week yes rotation is gonna have to be accepted but the thought of Diaz, Salah and Firmino against lascelles makes me sick
@Alan_Armstrong7: Confused by the team, but anyway. In Howe we trust always. Howay the lads
@thisisleyo: It would of been tough with Wilson, ASM, Bruno but c’mon Lads let’s have a good go
@tendeitem: COMEEEE ONNNN ISAKKKK LADDDDD. A debut goal, a winner, in front of Anfield's famous Kop End to end our 28-year long wait for a Premier League win at Anfield.
@RobertsLeftPeg: Baptism of fire for the lad but excited to see Isak, back 4 is smart, we got a game we'll undoubtedly have more possession in on Sunday, makes sense to rest Botman/Schar for this. Lascelles for his faults gives everything for the club, could put in a top performance.
@ronfromthebay: Newcastle. Playing the B side against Liverpool coz it’s just so easy.
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