⚡️ATTACK

I would like the attack to remain unchanged to prep for PSG.

Should Gakpo be fit I think the front line will be Gakpo Díaz Salah, but if that doesn't change Díaz Núñez Salah should do the trick.

Also like Chiesa to start, but I think it's not that likely.

💡MIDFIELD

Szobo has been running himself to the ground of late, he's bound to get rested eventually. Think it will be this one with Elliott filling in.

I think likewise for Macca, and Jones is a very abled deputy to step in.

Possibility that either Macca or Szobo start too.

🧱 DEFENCE

Expect the defence to remain mostly the same. With PSG looming I expect the CBs to remain the same.

I think we will rotate at LB, though there is an opportunity to rotate both, with Tsimi and Quansah coming in.

Think TAA survives however as we need to build rhythm.

🥅 GOALKEEPER

Alisson in goal, expect that for PSG at Anfield as well.

Slight chance Kelleher gets a chance to warm up, but he usually gets up to par quickly.

❓️CONTENTION

Tsimikas/Robbo 60/40
TAA/Quansah 60/40
Jones 51%
Elliott 51%
Macca 49%
Szobo 49%
Díaz/Chiesa 60/40
Núñez/Jota 51/49

😮‍💨

🏨 TEAM NEWS

• Slot hopes Gakpo can train today, but his availability is touch-and-go.
• Bradley and Gomez remain out.

⚡️ATTACK

The front line doesn't make it any easier to predict.

Ultimately though, Gakpo has done enough to warrant an immediate return at LW.

That makes it a toss up between Jota and Díaz, and I reckon Jota is more fit to start up front.

With how physical Newcastle's midfield is Liverpool need those extra legs to compete.

As Liverpool have a free weekend after Newcastle, I can only see the same midfield starting, which is tough after seeing Szobo collapse after FT at the Etihad.

💡MIDFIELD

Tough. Grav is the undisputed starter at the base, but Macca/Szobo is a toss up. This prediction also doesn't make it any easier with Jones coming off early for Endō.

Ultimately however I think the midfield 3 remains unchanged.

🧱 DEFENCE

3 of the back 4 remain unchanged. I reckon Robbo though to still start (narrowly!) over Tsimi. After all, Robbo did come off a bit earlier (74mins), so the chances of him starting is slightly higher.

🥅 GOALKEEPER

Alisson Becker, duh.

❓️CONTENTION

LB: Robbo/Tsimi 60/40
CM: Macca OR Szobo/Jones 55/45
FW: Gakpo OR Jota/Díaz 55/45

Bit busy today, so no full comms.

Gakpo could be fit, Bradley a major doubt and Gomez is out.

Think the 2 teams speak for themselves. Dropped points at the last moment against Everton, we can no longer allow for any slip ups, even against City (never a good sign).

🏨 TEAM NEWS

• Gakpo is a doubt.
• Gomez has a long term injury.

That should be all for this DGW. It's hard to predict how Slot uses his attackers in the 2 games with the presence of the 2 cup ties, but I expect the XI to look more or less the same.

That should be all for this DGW. It's hard to predict how Slot uses his attackers in the 2 games with the presence of the 2 cup ties, but I expect the XI to look more or less the same.

As for the mainstays, expect:

GK: Alisson - 180mins
DEF: VVD, Konaté, TAA - 180mins
MID: Grav, Macca, Szobo - 180mins
ATT: Salah - 180mins.

These are the most guaranteed based on mins. For those who choose to punt on a LB, expect Robbo to get at least 60mins.