Arne Slot to Shake Things Up: Four Changes in Liverpool’s XI to Face Newcastle
Liverpool are riding high after their stunning dismantling of Manchester City at Anfield, a performance that sent shockwaves through the Premier League. Arne Slot’s tactical genius was on full display as the Reds outclassed Pep Guardiola’s men, and now they have the opportunity to continue their exceptional momentum when they travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
However, Slot will be all too aware of the potential pitfalls this fixture presents. Newcastle may not be at their scintillating best this season, but their home form remains formidable. This is the same ground where Arsenal faltered just weeks ago, showing that even the best can stumble in front of the Toon Army. With a critical derby match looming over the weekend, Slot faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining the team’s high standards while managing player fatigue.
Let’s dive into the changes we might see in Liverpool’s starting XI as they look to secure all three points against Eddie Howe’s side.
Goalkeeper
The first name on the teamsheet is, of course, Caoimhin Kelleher. The young Irishman has been an outstanding deputy for Alisson Becker, whose hamstring injury has kept him sidelined. While Alisson is reportedly nearing a return to full fitness, Slot won’t rush him back into action, especially with Kelleher performing at such a high level.
Kelleher’s heroics have earned him immense trust, not least his game-defining penalty save from none other than Kylian Mbappé in the Champions League last week. With such performances under his belt, dropping him now would not only seem unfair but could also disrupt the rhythm of Liverpool’s defensive line. Kelleher is likely to have a busier night against Newcastle than he did against City, with the Magpies’ physical and aerial threat set to test his composure.
Defensive Changes
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold retains his place. Slot simply cannot afford to bench one of the world’s most creative defenders, especially with Conor Bradley out injured for the foreseeable future. Trent’s ability to dictate play from deep and deliver pinpoint crosses will be essential against a Newcastle side that loves to press aggressively.
In central defense, injury concerns have forced Slot’s hand. Ibrahima Konaté’s unfortunate knock at the end of the Real Madrid game left him in crutches, ruling him out of action. Joe Gomez stepped up admirably for his first league start of the season, but with games coming thick and fast, he may be given a rest. This opens the door for Jarell Quansah, the highly-rated youngster who has impressed in limited appearances this season. Quansah’s composure on the ball and ability to read the game make him a solid option for Slot in this fixture.
Midfield Mastery
It’s almost impossible to imagine Ryan Gravenberch being benched anytime soon. The Dutch maestro has solidified his reputation as arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football. His positioning, vision, and ability to break up opposition attacks have transformed Liverpool’s midfield.
Beside him, Alexis Mac Allister has been a revelation. The Argentine playmaker has elevated Liverpool’s midfield to another level, delivering back-to-back man-of-the-match performances against Real Madrid and Manchester City. His goal against Madrid showcased his attacking prowess, while his defensive contributions underline his all-around brilliance. Slot knows he is indispensable, and Mac Allister will likely feature once again.
The third midfield spot, however, offers an opportunity for rotation. Dominik Szoboszlai was exceptional against City, arguably producing his best performance in a Liverpool shirt. Yet, with the derby on the horizon, Curtis Jones could be brought back into the fold. Jones has been quietly brilliant this season and offers a dynamic presence in midfield. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott, who has recently regained full fitness, could be a valuable option off the bench to inject energy in the latter stages of the game.
Attack: The Usual Suspects and a Few Tweaks
In Liverpool’s attack, Mohamed Salah is an automatic starter. The Egyptian King has been in scintillating form, and his presence on the right flank is as inevitable as death and taxes. Salah’s ability to create and convert chances will be pivotal against a Newcastle side that struggles to contain wide threats.
However, the rest of the attack could see some rotation. Luis Díaz, who played through the middle against Manchester City, might drop to the bench to accommodate Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker’s pace and directness could be the perfect weapon to exploit Newcastle’s high line. Núñez’s unpredictability makes him a nightmare for defenders, and he could be the key to unlocking Newcastle’s defense on the counterattack.
Cody Gakpo is another player who seems undroppable at the moment. The Dutch forward has found his scoring touch, netting crucial goals against both Real Madrid and Manchester City. His form and versatility make him a valuable asset, and he is expected to start ahead of Díaz, who will likely be rested for the derby.
The Bigger Picture
Arne Slot’s decisions for this game will be closely scrutinized, as Liverpool’s season could hinge on their ability to navigate this congested period of fixtures. With the derby looming large, Slot must balance the need for three points against Newcastle with the importance of keeping his squad fresh and injury-free.
A victory at St. James’ Park would not only extend Liverpool’s impressive run but also send a statement to the rest of the league: this team means business. All eyes will be on Slot and his starting XI as the Reds look to keep their title hopes alive.
