Saint-Maximin dropped & new formation – Predicted Newcastle side to start vs Liverpool

This is the start of a very scary few matches for us, as we face Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United in successive matches.

Eddie Howe can approach them with freedom, as nobody expects us to win any of them. However, our position probably means we need to approach them with some positivity.

Howe will need to make changes to the team that lost to Leicester. We were too open and we need to be a lot more solid to stand any chance at Anfield.

Below is our predicted eleven…

Martin Dubravka – It is going to be a busy period for Martin Dubravka. He is still trying to get back to his best since his return from injury. If we are to get anything from the match, we will need him to play out of his skin.

Javier Manquillo – The performance at Leicester wasn’t very good, but we don’t have another reliable option at right back. This is a chance for him to show his quality at one of his former clubs.

Fabian Schar – The injury to Fede Fernandez probably means that Schar and Jamaal Lascelles will start in the team. Schar has been okay since Howe came in without standing out.

Jamaal Lascelles – The captain has faced a lot of criticism over the last few days. Some of it has been over the line, but we need him to step up his performances.

Jamal Lewis – It may seem counter productive to play with the same defence that was destroyed by Leicester. However, it might be the best way to build some cohesion in the back four. Lewis has been impressive under Howe, but there are still issues in his game.

Isaac Hayden – This could be a game where Isaac Hayden comes in to sit in front of the back four. It would be wise for Howe to play with three central midfielders to match Liverpool. Hayden is our most defensive midfielder and although he has his weaknesses, we should start him on Thursday.

Jonjo Shelvey – It is clear that he is vital to the way Howe wants to play. There have been some promising signs and there is clearly a higher work rate in his performances. His passing range will be key in getting us to offer any sort of a threat.

Joe Willock – Like Lascelles, Willock has faced criticism. For me, we need to continue to start him as he has energy and mobility. Two attributes that are lacking in the rest of the team. In a 4-3-3, it will be more suited to him as he will be given licence to attack. 

Joelinton – The Brazilian has been very good under Howe. He is one of the best pressers in the team and he has the physical attributes to cause problems for the Liverpool defence. In this game, we should look to play long and Joelinton’s hold up ability will be key.

Callum Wilson – If Wilson is fit, he starts. It is that simple. We won’t get many chances on Thursday. We need the ones we do get to go in. Hopefully, they fall to Wilson. 

Miguel Almiron – The Paraguayan has a tireless work rate that makes him a useful player in matches like this one. He will continue to run his socks off and he has the ability on the counter attack to carry a threat. Allan Saint-Maximin may drop out of the team for this one. If he does, Almiron will be important.