Predicted XI

Thiago back in the squad? How Liverpool could line-up against Newcastle

The Spain international has missed the last two months of action due to a knee injury, but could feature against the Magpies

 
10:18am on Tuesday 29th December 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Liverpool could be boosted by the return to the matchday squad of Thiago Alcantara for their midweek clash against Newcastle.

Thiago's Liverpool career has ravaged by injury so far, as he has featured just twice in the league for a total of 134 minutes.

Following a terrible tackle from Richarlison in the Merseyside Derby, he missed two months of action, but is in line to make a return either versus Newcastle or in Liverpool's next match following that against Southampton.

Even if he is fit, it is unlikely he will start.

One of Curtis Jones, Jordan Henderson, or Gini Wijnaldum could be rested due to the proximity between fixtures currently.

Jones might be the one to make way, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain coming into the midfield three.

Jurgen Klopp is sweating over the fitness of Joel Matip as the central defender has to be replaced in the 1-1 draw against West Brom due to a suspected abductor injury. Rhys Williams will be the man to replace him in the middle of the backline alongside Fabinho.

Following the West Brom game which saw the champions drop points, it is unlikely that Klopp will want to drop one of his star forward trio, so expect Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino to start.

If he decides to rest one of them, then Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi, or Takumi Minamino will step in.

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