Eddie Howe has made three changes from the 3-0 victory at Norwich last time out as Newcastle United do battle with title-chasing Liverpool. He has restored a few of the perceived first-choice players to the starting XI after they were rested at Carrow Road.
After agreeing his new two-year contract yesterday, Fabian Schar is back in the side alongside Dan Burn in the heart defence as captain Jamaal Lascelles misses out. Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron are the other two players who have been restored to the line-up after being amongst the substitutes against Norwich.
Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin look set to interchange in the number nine position where they excelled in East Anglia as the Brazilian netted his third and fourth goals of the season. Chris Wood stays on the bench but will likely get some action in the second half, especially if the pair are struggling to impose themselves against Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.
Read more: Newcastle United vs Liverpool LIVE: Three changes for Magpies, Salah on the bench
It shows which games Howe is choosing to prioritise and he will be desperate to show just how far he has brought this Magpies side against one of Europe’s elite. He would have liked to have Kieran Trippier available for selection but the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s side just comes too soon after he returned to training at the back end of the week.
Ryan Fraser has also not been risked as he too is nearing a return to action. His manager mentioned that, because of the nature of the hamstring injury, he does not want to introduce the Scotsman back to the team before he is fully recovered.
The supporters seem very happy with the line-up that Howe is selected. Here is what some of them have had to say on Twitter.
