Our second away game in four days and another tough early season test as Eddie Howe’s injury hit Mags travel to Anfield.
We arrive on Merseyside buoyed by the late point picked up at Wolves, however we’ll be forced to field a pretty weak side based on the number of key players who are expected to sit this one out.
With Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin all nursing minor hamstring problems, this may be our toughest test yet as we look to preserve our unbeaten start to 2022/23.
Liverpool have generally been below their best so far. They’ve been held by Fulham and Crystal Palace, also losing to an out of form Man Utd, however Saturday’s 9-0 win over Bournemouth was a devastating reminder of what they’re capable of.
Howe feels it will be another “really good examination” of where we’re at as a team, but has urged his players to “play with no fear” after our strong start to the season, hoping we can continue to play the brave brand of football we’re beginning to “have confidence in.”
The presence of club record buy Alexander Isak would be a huge boost, especially with ASM and Wilson ruled out, however we are STILL waiting for the Swede to receive a work permit – which must arrive at least 75 minutes before kick-off to enable him to play.
Team news
Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin look set to miss out with minor hamstring issues, while Alexander Isak will only be eligible should he receive international clearance in time.
Kieran Trippier “should be fine” after picking up a knock at Wolves, but Callum Wilson (hamstring), Emil Krafth (ACL) Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring) and Kell Watts (knee) remain out.
Martin Dubravka has arrived in Manchester for his medical at Old Trafford, so it’ll be Karl Darlow on the bench once again.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett – Willock, Longstaff, Joelinton – Almiron, Anderson, Fraser.
At the back, I expect Matt Targett to come in for Dan Burn. The latter looks more comfortable at centre-back and may really struggle against Mo Salah, not to mention the fact we looked more balanced when the former Aston Villa man came on at Wolves.
The midfield could be unchanged given Guimaraes and Shelvey remain out, however I think we might see a few changes up top.
Wood isn’t really mobile enough to be part of a counter-attacking side that can hurt Liverpool on the break, so I fancy Howe to play a false nine who is capable of running at the back and getting at the Reds’ high line. With that in mind and Saint-Maximin out, I reckon we could see Anderson, Fraser and Almiron in attack.
Perhaps Murphy is more likely to start than Anderson, but I’d back our fearless, talented and tenacious local lad to do a better job.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson – Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
One to watch: Harvey Elliot. Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the star men, but the teenage talent is someone our midfield three must be wary of. In a midfield that can sometimes lack zip without Thiago, he can be the man who makes them tick.
Prediction
With so many key players out and the squad likely to be tired after that hard fought point at Wolves, I think Klopp’s side will have too much for us here.
I back us to be competitive, solid defensively and a threat on the counter in flashes, but with no Wilson, Bruno or ASM it feels like a real tough ask here.
You just never know with Eddie Howe’s ever-improving Mags, mind!
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
If Maxi is really injured, I see us playing Wood ahead of either Fraser or Anderson.
Dubz to Man U is a really strange move if you ask me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I would also play BDB ahead of Schar. He is a better defender. But that’s just me, others might disagree.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I might be tempted to go with three at the back, with Botman in the middle with Burn and Schar either side.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Mitro scores again.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Anthony Gordon scored a very lucky goal. I am watching the game and cannot for the life of me see what there is there for 60 million. Plus, he has a 6 quid haircut from where his granny goes to get hers done as well. A 2 for 1 special?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Is our match tomorrow on TV? Anyone know?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
They are all on BT sport I think
PremAndUp(Quote)
Stan Hardy’s details now ! my oh my.
Anyway, can’t see owt but a loss tonight, too many out injured in key positions, real shame.
kimtoon(Quote)
My thoughts are is Isak is available then we play 4-3-3 as normal team as Olly but with Isak instead of Anderson.
However I suggest that if he is not available we play 5-4-1
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Targett; Miggy, Willock, Anderson, Fraser with Big Joe up top
PremAndUp(Quote)
I think the midfield battle will be key & their midfield isn’t as strong as it can be. I’d keep Big Joe in midfield & I’d put Anderson in with Willock.
If Isak gets clearance then he starts for me, with Miggy right and Fraser left (if ASM is out). If ASM is fit I’d start him in the middle and start Isak on the bench.
If both Isak & ASM are out, then I’d go Murphy through the middle.
I just think his pace and willingness to run in behind their defence will cause more problems than the target man Wood who VVD will find easy to mark.
Miggy, Murph & Fraser all work their socks off when we are without the ball too so will give them less time to pick their passes into the front man.
Sharpy17(Quote)
There might be something in Bakayoko on a free if Chelsea release him, but other than that I don’t see us bringing anyone else this window.
I think we may move one or two out, but I think the Isak money was all that was set aside for this window.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I understand that the Pedro deal was agreed except for the structuring. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen. I would love a good DM as well and possibly a young RB to cover Krafth
PremAndUp(Quote)
Can’t believe Wolves have signed Sasa Kalajdzic for as little as €18m.
I think value for money wise, that’s a far better signing than Isak imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – I like Pedro a lot, so I hope you’re right – we certainly need him imo. I think Bakayoko on a free would be a very good signing – I know he didn’t pull up trees at Chelsea but I still think he’s a good player.
If we could get Maitland Niles on loan to buy option I think he would be good cover for Krafth & for midfield should we need it.
But that’s a lot in a short space of time. Get Maitland Niles done before the window coz if Bakayoko is free he can be signed after the window is closed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I now have PMC details pre filled – I don’t even know who that is???.
I don’t like this site like this mind. I don’t trust what’s going on in the background for this to be happening 😡😡😡
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree mate about the site, it’s a mess.
kimtoon(Quote)
Isak starts, Botman on the bench
PremAndUp(Quote)
Our bench is still very weak with nobody to really change a match, maybe except Anderson. We spent a lot but still little depth. I fear tonight.
Gilly is not happy with this site(Quote)
A BLOODY MESS
icedog(Quote)
Team is a bit of a surprise. I didnt expect Isak to start but will be happy to watch him as I have never seen him play.
Also, the Wood haters will not be able to moan. Or maybe not, they will say why are we not trusting a 25 million pound player 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Paul and his cronies at Toon Review are the biggest Wood haters. Some Toon fans just need somebody vent on no matter what the performance and result. If Isak doesnt get a hattrick or BDB slips I expect a rant about them as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Andre Mariner looks like he has been on a tanning bed for 10 weeks. I think he should be sent there permanently.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Pope was down for a minute or so. BUT…
Does anybody understand this Dubz to Man U. It is totally confusing me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Maybe Mariner has a spray-tan? Or from a bottle?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And that’s how you make a debut
Well done ISAK
Get in
kimtoon(Quote)
It was a really good pass by Sean for the goal. He gets a lot of stick but I think that is his 2nd assist.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What a start. Get in Isak lad. A great first half. Really pleased to see this from the team. Let’s keep this up in second half. Long way to go. Klippety Klop is doing his nut on the touch line. 😂😂
Gilly is not happy with this site(Quote)
This fuc.king site!! Not possible to chat in real time 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
Gilly is not really happy with this site(Quote)
Isak again
Offside by a toenail man
kimtoon(Quote)
Fucking Firmino man
kimtoon(Quote)
c’mon Anderson lad get us a winner
kimtoon(Quote)
FFS BINDIPPING BASTARDS
kimtoon(Quote)
You are kidding me!!!
I dont think Isak was offdide either.
It is only 1 point though.
Andre Mariner is an over-tanned c@nt.
Eric Sykes(Quote)