Potential Changes Expected Ahead of Newcastle

A busy Christmas fixture list means Liverpool’s squad depth will be tested

Coming off the back of their gutsy 2-0 win over Wolves last night, Liverpool will play 3 more games between now and the 3rd of January. Two of those games are against top 6 rivals Arsenal, and Manchester City, who are Liverpool’s rivals for the title this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s selection against Wolves was about as first choice as things can get, given Liverpool’s injuries in certain position. However, their next match against against Newcastle at Anfield is the perfect opportunity for Klopp to test the depth of his squad.

The Reds are absolutely flying at the moment but some players could use a rest, and other squad players could use a run out. You could potentially see Nathaniel Clyne come in at right back, after Milner had a rather leggy performance on Friday night. The other fullback position will also likely change, as Alberto Moreno has had very little game time and Andy Robertson put in his worst performance of the season against Wolves.

The big questions for the Liverpool manager happen in the middle and at the forward positions. Xherdan Shaqiri did not feature on Friday night, which was surprising given the fact that Naby Keïta came off injured. It’s almost certain that Shaqiri will feature on Boxing Day, if not start.

Another player that didn’t play on Friday that will surely play against Newcastle is Georginio Wijnaldum. It will be interesting to see what formation Klopp goes with for Newcastle. I would suspect one of Henderson or Fabinho start alongside Wijnaldum. If Klopp wants to go with the 4-3-3, Adam Lallana or James Milner could start in the middle. If Klopp wants to continue with the 4-2-3-1, it’s likely that Firmino will go again in the more advance attacking midfield role.

Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi have provided key goals this season and may also get a chance to start in the match against Newcastle. The only area of the pitch that there’s a slim chance of change is at centerback, given the injuries to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

Following Newcastle, Liverpool will play Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday before heading to the Eithad to take on second place Manchester City on the 4th of January.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com