Liam Kennedy’s Newcastle United starting XI versus Liverpool - with one shock forward call
Newcastle United are eyeing a seventh straight victory at St James’ Park - their best since 2004 - but against quadruple-chasing Liverpool, that will be no easy task.
Opinions. Good, bad or indifferent, everyone’s got one.
Every man and his dog has their view on who Eddie Howe should select in his Newcastle United starting XI on any given matchday. So here’s our editor, Liam Kennedy’s view on what team he would select - not an expected XI - for the visit of title-chasing Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s side, safe from Premier League relegation with four games to spare, host a Klopp & Co seeking three points to take them top of the table ahead of Manchester City’s evening kick-off at Leeds United.
The Reds sit second, one point behind City, and are the only team to have been in better form than United, who are ninth following 10 wins from 15 games, in 2022.
The two sides last met in December at Anfield, with Liverpool running out 3-1 winners.
Howe reflected: “Thinking back to that game, I thought we did perform well.
“It was very close – I’m still frustrated by their first goal, which I don’t think should have stood at the time, and the third goal right at the end of the game was a great strike, but it made it look maybe more comfortable than it was for them that night.
“But we’re going need a similar display in terms of our resilience and work ethic, but I think we’re going to need to show a little bit more quality going the other way and test them as much as we can.
We’re playing an outstanding team, probably one of the best in the world and it’s a great chance for us to see how far we’ve come.”
Howe named four changes for the 3-0 win at Norwich City last weekend - and he could do the same against Liverpool.
Here’s starting Newcastle United starting XI Liam Kennedy would select today:
1. Goalkeeper - Martin Dubravka
Of all the positions, this is the one most set in stone. Despite his faults - which may see him replaced this summer - the Slovak is easily still United’s best between the sticks.
2. Right-back - Emil Krafth
The right-back has been a revelation in recent weeks, in the continued absence of Kieran Trippier. On Instagram, Trippier has hinted at a return, but if that isn’t this week, then the Swede is proving an able deputy.
3. Centre-back - Fabian Schar
Fresh off the back of his new two-year deal, Schar will hope to continue his good form. Back in, in my view, ahead of club captain Jamaal Lascelles.
4. Centre-back - Dan Burn
Was outstanding again at Norwich last week and has definitely surprised many with his commanding consistency at the heart of the United backline since his January deadline day arrival.