Liverpool team news: Predicted XI vs Newcastle with Gakpo and Diaz decisions as Arne Slot could make 3 changes…

Liverpool team update: Projected lineup against Newcastle with Gakpo and Diaz considerations.

Premier League frontrunners Liverpool are set to host Newcastle United at Anfield, aiming to inch closer to securing their 20th league title.

As they prepare to face one of their toughest remaining challenges, Liverpool seeks to solidify their position in the Premier League by taking on the fifth-placed Magpies.

The two teams are also scheduled to meet in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next month, adding extra significance to this league encounter.

The Reds are looking for consecutive league victories for the first time this month after their recent triumph over Manchester City at the Etihad.

Manager Arne Slot, whose team remains unbeaten in 23 Premier League matches since September 14, may consider making adjustments for the midweek clash. Here’s a look at the potential lineup:

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Alisson has not recorded a Premier League clean sheet at Anfield since December 1, when Liverpool defeated Manchester City 2-0.

In the five matches since, he has conceded seven goals. Currently chasing the Golden Glove, Alisson is three behind Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels.

He faced three goals at St James’ Park and will have a challenging task against Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas .

With Conor Bradley sidelined due to injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold will continue at right-back, alongside centre-backs Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. However, Slot may opt for a change at left-back to manage Andy Robertson’s workload against Jacob Murphy.

Kostas Tsimikas could step in, given Robertson’s heavy minutes over the past fortnight.

Midfield: Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Jones.

Slot may be cautious about overworking Ryan Gravenberch following his recent performances, but this match is crucial enough to keep the Dutchman in the lineup over Wataru Endo.

A more suitable opportunity for rotation will arise during the home match against Southampton on Saturday.

Alexis Mac Allister, sporting a black eye, will team up with Gravenberch, while the tireless Dominik Szoboszlai, who appeared fatigued at the conclusion of the match against City, may find himself on the bench after playing four consecutive full matches.

Curtis Jones is more likely to occupy the No.10 position over Harvey Elliott, although Elliott will be hoping for additional playing time as a substitute.

In the attack: Gakpo, Jota, Salah.

Cody Gakpo made a brief 11-minute appearance off the bench against City after recovering from injury.

The Dutch forward has been outstanding at Anfield, netting goals in each of his last seven matches at Liverpool’s home since November.

Diogo Jota remained an unused substitute, indicating he was not fully fit following his midweek appearance against Aston Villa.

A week after the draw at Villa Park, the Portuguese forward is expected to spearhead the attack in this match.

Premier League Player of the Year candidate Mohamed Salah boasts an impressive tally of 25 goals and 16 assists in 27 league matches.

He recorded three goal contributions during the away game at Newcastle in December and will be keen to replicate that performance on Merseyside.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs Newcastle: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Jota.