'Thiago bench at best'
Ian Doyle: To Thiago or not to Thiago?
That is the question for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool prepare for the task of finding their way through yet another massed defence at Newcastle United this evening.
Thiago Alcantara will be on the bench at best, leaving the Reds boss with having to find another answer to the midfield problem.
Changes are certain. Not least in defence, with Joel Matip absent.
It’s tempting to put Jordan Henderson at centre-back but he’ll be needed in midfield. Rhys Williams, then, gets the nod alongside Fabinho.
Trent Alexander-Arnold wasn’t great against West Bromwich Albion but he can continue along with Andy Robertson at full-back, with Alisson Becker in goal.
Midfield is interesting. Perhaps it’s time to rest both Gini Wijnaldum and Curtis Jones, so in come James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
And up top, rotation means it’s a breather for Roberto Firmino with Sadio Mane going central and Takumi Minamino in on the left.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, R Williams, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Mane, Minamino.
'Oxlade-Chamberlain steps it up'
Theo Squires: With Liverpool afforded a long weekend off over New Year, Jurgen Klopp shouldn’t have to rotate too much for his side’s 2020 finale away at Newcastle United.
I’d like to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain start in midfield as he takes the next steps in his comeback, with Curtis Jones the unfortunate man to drop out as Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum retain their places.
It would be tempting to turn to Xherdan Shaqiri or Takumi Minamino but with an FA Cup trip to Aston Villa to follow next week, their opportunities can come there, meaning it’s the tried and trusted front three.
And in defence, with Joel Matip sidelined, I’d favour Nat Phillips over Rhys Williams to partner Fabinho with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson making up the back-line.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Philips, Fabinho, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
'Takumi Minamino gets another chance'
Joe Rimmer: All eyes will be on team news later in the hope that Thiago returns, but I have a sneaky feeling he may sit this one out entirely.
Instead, I expect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make his first start of the season alongside Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson in midfield.
Takumi Minamino didn't get the chance to build on his first league goal at Palace against West Brom, so he'd get my pick here instead of Sadio Mane.
Rhys Williams comes into my defence for Joel Matip, who is almost certainly set to miss out.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, R Williams, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Minamino, Firmino
