Liverpool line-ups for Newcastle as Hugo Ekitike benched in system change

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The Reds will need his power and energy somewhere you suspect.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch returns alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.

Milos Kerkez just about gets the nod over the more experienced Andy Robertson.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo

Ian Doyle

The build-up may be dominated by the one player who definitely won't be involved when Liverpool visit Newcastle United this evening.

But what should Reds boss Arne Slot do with those at his disposal?

And the centre-backs shall remain Ibrahima Konate partnering skipper Virgil van Dijk.

Milos Kerkez just about keeps his place at left-back ahead of Andy Robertson, but the big call is at right-back where Conor Bradley should step back in with Joe Gomez finishing the match in the position.

In midfield, there's another major decision.

Club record signing Florian Wirtz can get busy later in the second half.

Up top, Hugo Ekitike leads the line with Mohamed Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

Theo Squires

While much of the talk heading into Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle concerns one player who we already know will not be playing, Arne Slot has a few selection dilemmas of his own when it comes to who will start at St.

At the very least, I’d rather him up against Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon than Wataru Endo.

Despite a challenging Premier League debut for the Reds, Milos Kerkez keeps his place at left-back while Ryan Gravenberch returns from suspension to start at number six.

Alexis Mac Allister is alongside him, as Liverpool continue to manage the Argentine carefully following his own return from injury.

His physicality and ability when dropping deep could be vital in what is set to be a fiery encounter.

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My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike