Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Sunday to take on Eddie Howe’s side in the third Premier League game of the season.

The Reds done the double over the side who finished above them by four points to take the last Champions League place.

Fabio Carvalho got a last minute winner at Anfield whilst at St James Park Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez got on the scoresheet to secure the three points.

With both sides set to be there or thereabouts for the top four battle again this season here is an combined XI from both sets of available players.

Nick Pope, Cody Gakpo
IMAGO / Action Plus

Newcastle United & Liverpool combined XI

GK: Allison Becker

An easy choice really as Alisson has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world over the last couple of seasons at Liverpool and arguably throughout. However the last 12 months he has kept Liverpool from slipping into the bottom half. Nick Pope has been great for Newcastle but he cannot use his feet effectively as seen when he came on a adventure in this fixture last season and got sent off.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Another easy choice as Kieran Trippier realistically has every defensive flaw that Alexander-Arnold may possibly have. Both great attacking outlets who probably haven’t been up to to their usual standards in the opening two games. Alexander-Arnold is capable of winning a game for Liverpool though as he has done plenty of times, again as he proved in this fixture last campaign with a delightful ball for Darwin Nunez.

RCB: Sven Botman

One of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League and arguably the best signing that Eddie Howe has made at Newcastle United so far. Great range of passing and fantastic authoritativeness at the back. Even if Ibrahima Konate was fit Botman may be picked ahead of him. Liverpool would probably wish they had him to come into their side.

LCB: Virgil Van Dijk

Virgil Van Dijk
IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Looked like he could be back to his ridiculously high standards in the first two games with the captain’s armband suiting him very well. Didn’t have an amazing 22/23 season but no one really did for Liverpool and with some midfield security Van Dijk’s performances should elevate quickly.

LB: Andy Robertson

Arguably the toughest choice out of the whole side as due to the makeshift Liverpool system Robertson has not looked a great fit however defensively last week he seemed back to his best especially due to his strong aerial duels. Dan Burn has been fantastic at left-back for Newcastle but it appears that they have progressed past him and have a need for a more natural full-back hence why they have signed Lewis Hall from Chelsea. Remains to be seen whether he will get given the nod.

CDM: Bruno Guimaraes

Another incredible signing for Newcastle as Guimaraes has been one of the best midfielders in the league and exactly what Liverpool missed throughout last season. He may also be what they still need due to the fact Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have only been replaced by Wataru Endo who is expected to make his full debut against Newcastle.

RCM: Dominik Szoboszlai

Looked very promising against Chelsea and then turned in a man of the match performance against Bournemouth. Looks like he could be a fantastic signing for many years to come for Liverpool as he just does not stop running with a creative edge in the middle.

LCM: Joelinton

One of Newcastle’s most consistent performers and his story from wasteful striker to key midfielder has been a fantastic one. Lots of choices here with Alexis Mac Allister and Sandro Tonali also. Mac Allister though has only played in a deeper role so far for Liverpool and even though he has been incredibly tidy on the ball he did get sent off albeit very harshly. Tonali was very good against Aston Villa but on the other side of midfield.

RW: Mo Salah

One of the Premier League greats. One goal and one assist so far so he will be hoping to carry that on against Howe’s side. Almiron and Murphy obviously are nowhere near his level but have been in splendid form under the former Bournemouth man.

ST: Alexander Isak

Ran riot against Aston Villa as he seems to do a lot against Premier League opposition. Very unlucky to not have a brace in the game at Anfield last season. Didn’t get much service against Manchester City in a performance which was below par from the whole side. Darwin Nunez has barely featured so far and Cody Gakpo has been ushered into a midfield position due to poor transfer planning so neither have them have a chance to get into this combined XI.

LW: Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz – IMAGO / Propaganda Photo

Two games, two fantastic goals as Diaz seems to have gotten past his awful injury from last season. Consistent goals from him is needed and even though it is only early on in the campaign he is showing that he may be able to do that. Anthony Gordon has been Newcastle’s starting left winger so far but Harvey Barnes will certainly be taking over that role sooner rather than later. Looks set to be another good signing from Howe.

Manager: Jurgen Klopp

Has won everything in English football and will be hoping he can get Liverpool back up there with Manchester City this season. Howe will be hoping he can copy Klopp’s progression at Liverpool now that he has taken them into the Champions League which is what Klopp did in his first full campaign at Anfield.


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