Ian Doyle - Van Dijk the only change
Newcastle United on a Saturday evening is never the easiest place to go. But Liverpool know they cannot afford to lose if they are to stand any realistic chance of closing the gap to the top four during the closing months of the season.
What, then, is Jurgen Klopp to do?
In truth, there shouldn't be much change from the side that beat Everton on Monday, even with the Champions League game at home to Real Madrid on the horizon. That, to be fair, could be when we see Roberto Firmino back in the starting line-up at the very least.
Not this evening, though. In fact, there's only one change for me, with Virgil van Dijk fit again to start. I'd put Joel Matip on the bench with Joe Gomez remaining in alongside Van Dijk at centre-back. Alisson Becker is in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold right-back and Andy Robertson on the opposite flank.
It means Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Stefan Bajcetic stay in midfield, with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez up top.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
READ MORE: Full Liverpool squad available for Newcastle as four players ruled out
READ MORE: Liverpool sale latest as Manchester United receive bid from Qatar
Theo Squires - Matip makes way for Van Dijk
Having returned to winning ways and put in such an improved performance against Everton on Monday, it’s only minimal changes for Liverpool against Newcastle United as they look to close down the gap on the top four.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed Virgil van Dijk is fit to start, having been an unused substitute against the Blues, so start he will. Joe Gomez partners the Dutchman at centre-back, getting the nod ahead of Joel Matip with the rest of the back five picking itself.
With Jordan Henderson and Fabinho looking so much better against Everton, the pair both keep their places in midfield with Stefan Bajcetic completing the trio.
And despite Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota’s returns off the bench on Monday, both will have to make do with substitute roles again as the front three remains unchanged.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
Charlotte Coates - Midfield three stays intact
It seems strange coming into a Premier League game off the back of a win, but that's the position Liverpool find themselves in - at last!
The Reds recorded a very important 2-0 win over Merseyside rivals Everton on Monday night to put themselves within sight of the top four and restore a bit of confidence.
With the small matter of Real Madrid in the Champions League coming up on Tuesday night, Jurgen Klopp could have one eye on that, but a win against the Magpies could see the Reds move to within six points of fourth place.
In goal, Alisson Becker will remain as he looks for another clean sheet. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will occupy the full-back spots. Virgil van Dijk will come back into the side alongside Joel Matip.
The midfield three will remain the same with Jordan Henderson partnered by Fabinho and Stefan Bajcetic.
Up front, Mohamed Salah will try to keep his goalscoring form as he'll be alongside Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Bajcetic; Nunez, Gakpo, Salah
READ NEXT:
Newcastle animosity is a myth but Liverpool know what could happen next
Liverpool missed out on Premier League title after being snubbed by 150-goal Real Madrid wild child
Undeserved loss still stings Newcastle fans - Liverpool should be ready for a hostile reception
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had the ideal preparation for Liverpool's Champions League nemesis
Everton and Liverpool pay tribute to Christian Atsu as football world reacts to news of death
