Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Liverpool

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In our last game before the cup final, Newcastle United welcome Liverpool to St James’ Park on Saturday night.

While all the talk is about Wembley, this is a huge game in the race for European football. The Reds are looking to fight back and qualify for the Champions League, while Eddie Howe’s side are battling to remain in the top four.

Liverpool are the only team to beat Newcastle in the league this season, which creates an interesting subplot to what will already be an enthralling game.

Howe has injury and suspension to contest with and a cup final looming, and this is the predicted Newcastle lineup that we think he will go with against Jurgen Klopp’s side

Joelinton must be careful against Liverpool

Howe has no reason to change any of his back five. The Premier League’s meanest defence will look to contain Liverpool and keep yet another clean sheet.

Joelinton and Sean Longstaff are also certain to start. The former will have to be careful as he is now one booking away from a suspension. However, a yellow card would only keep him out of Premier League action rather than next weekend’s Carabao Cup final.

First Newcastle start for Anthony Gordon

Howe’s main conundrum going into the game against Liverpool is who replaces Joe Willock. He is set to miss out with a hamstring issue.

Anthony Gordon came on in his place against Bournemouth last week and played as an attacking midfielder. That is an option for Howe, and would give the 21-year-old his first ever start in a Toon shirt.

Alternatively, Howe could give Elliot Anderson his first ever Premier League start. Picking the academy graduate would ensure that the Magpies do not need to change formation.

However, we expect Gordon to get the nod. The £45million man should be well up for it, playing against his former club’s rivals Liverpool. There is also no need to keep him fresh, as he is cup-tied for the Manchester United game at Wembley.

Isak in the Toon lineup ahead of Wilson against Liverpool

Newcastle have another selection issue ahead of the match with Liverpool. Howe must decide whether Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson starts up front.

The Swede played against Bournemouth due to Wilson’s injury, but struggled to have any sort of impact. And his place is under threat due to the 30-year-old’s return to fitness.

However, we believe that Isak should get the chance to start again. He impressed against Liverpool on his debut at the start of the season, and it allows Howe to keep Wilson fresh for the Carabao Cup final.

Isak will be joined in attack by Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron, who have trained ahead of Saturday’s game. They were both forced off with injury against Bournemouth, but appear to be fit and ready to play from the start.

Predicted XI vs Liverpool: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Gordon, Saint-Maximin; Isak.