Newcastle United have made a new signing ahead of this weekend’s game against Liverpool, while the Reds received a boost of their own on Tuesday.
Lewis Hall will be eager to make his Toon debut at St James’ Park on Sunday, but one player who looked like he would not be involved for Liverpool was summer signing Alexis Mac Allister.
He was sent off during the 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the weekend. The World Cup winner was given a straight red for a challenge on Cherries ace Ryan Christie.
The replays showed that it was a dubious decision, but seemingly not dubious enough for VAR to change the referee’s call.
Liverpool played the rest of the game with 10 men and were able to triumph, but their big concern was the next fixture with Newcastle. They already have limited midfield options, and going to St James’ Park without Mac Allister could have been a disaster.
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However, he will now be available for the Reds.
Alexis Mac Allister no longer suspended for Newcastle vs Liverpool
Earlier this week, Liverpool appealed Mac Allister’s red card in the hope that the Premier League would overturn the decision.
They received a response on Tuesday, and it was confirmed that the 24-year-old’s dismissal had been rescinded. That means he will now be available to face Newcastle on Sunday.
While Toon fans were hoping that the ban would be upheld, it is the correct decision. It was wrong to send him off, and he will rightly be able to play on Tyneside this weekend.
It should be an excellent game, as there is a bit of needle between the two clubs after last season. There was an altercation on the touchline at Anfield this time last year, while Jurgen Klopp has aimed multiple digs at the Magpies over the past few months.
They were the only team to beat Newcastle twice last season, so Eddie Howe’s side will be keen to right that wrong. The Magpies will be hopeful of getting a positive result, even with the news that Mac Allister is going to be available for selection rather than suspended.