Joel Matip Starts for Liverpool in Trip to Newcastle
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has made two changes to the starting lineup for this afternoon’s trip to Newcastle, with Joel Matip coming into the side. The Reds arrive on Tyneside with a major injury doubt in the shape of Ibrahima Konate, who now misses out in a major blow to the defensive setup.
Matip Makes First Start of the Campaign
Matip makes his first start of the campaign amid question marks over his long-term suitability in a new role. Alisson retains his place in goal as ever, with Matip joining Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson at the back.
Full Debut for Wataru Endo
Making his full debut, Wataru Endo will take up the No. 6 position, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to join Dominik Szoboszlai further forward. That, in turn, gives Cody Gakpo the opportunity to start up front, flanked by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
Salah at Centre of Transfer Speculation
The buildup to this 4.30pm kickoff has been clouded by claims of interest in Salah from Al-Ittihad – a club, like Newcastle, owned by the Saudi state. But Klopp and the club are insistent that there is no concern over the future of their No. 11, who could score in his 150th different game for Liverpool today.
Liverpool Lineup
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
Substitutes: Kelleher, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Elliott, Doak, Jota, Nunez
Newcastle Lineup
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Almiron, Gordon, Isak
Substitutes: Dubravka, Lascelles, Targett, Livramento, Longstaff, Anderson, Barnes, Murphy, Wilson
Conclusion
Today’s match between Liverpool and Newcastle promises to be an exciting one as both teams look to get the win. Liverpool will be hoping that Joel Matip can make an impact in his first start of the season and that Mohamed Salah can continue his impressive form despite recent transfer speculation. It will be interesting to see how both teams line up and how the match plays out.