Firmino misses out as Klopp makes 4 changes | Expected Liverpool line-up vs Newcastle

Liverpool will be desperate to reclaim top spot and put the pressure on Manchester City with a win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday evening. Here is the team we think Jurgen Klopp will select:

Goalkeeper: There is virtually no chance we’ll see a change in goal unless Alisson Becker picks up a late injury so the Brazilian should once again line-up between the sticks with Simon Mignolet on the bench.

Defence: Liverpool are expected to make a couple of changes in defence with Devan Lovren pushing for a recall in the middle of the back four. Questions were asked of Virgil van Dijk for his part in Luis Suarez’s opening goal on Wednesday night but the Dutchman is certain to retain his place so Joel Matip could be the man to make way.

Joe Gomez surprisingly started in the right-back berth against Barcelona but the youngster is set to drop out with Trent Alexander-Arnold recalled while Andrew Robertson should retain his place at left-back ahead of Alberto Moreno.

Midfield: We could see at least one change in midfield as Jordan Henderson is expected to be recalled after being named on the bench against Barcelona. Naby Keita has been ruled out after suffering a groin injury against Barca and the midfielder will be on the sidelines for at least two months – which is a big blow for Liverpool.

Fabinho should keep his place in the holding role against Newcastle while Georginio Wijnaldum is set to drop back into his more familiar midfield position having been deployed as a make-shift striker against Barca in midweek.

James Milner is likely to be the man to make way for Wijnaldum despite a solid outing against the Catalans at the Nou Camp – although he’ll be kicking himself for missing a golden opportunity at 1-0.

Adam Lallana could miss out on the place in the squad due to an on-going muscle problem but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in contention after returning to full fitness following a serious knee injury.

Attack: Liverpool will assess Roberto Firmino after he was rushed back from a groin injury to make a substitute appearance against Barcelona on Wednesday night. Klopp admitted at his press conference this afternoon that the South American was a doubt and he didn’t sound confident Firmino would be fit to start.

Therefore, a place on the bench may be the best he can hope for and that could open the door for Divock Origi to start up front while Daniel Sturridge is another option for the Liverpool manager.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are almost certain to keep their places in attack so Xherdan Shaqiri will have to once again settle for a place on the bench.

Here is how I think Liverpool will line up: