Newcastle United supporters were somewhat quieter in the Transfer Tavern over the weekend after seeing their side lose at Brighton.
The resident Magpies fans were making lots of noise in the previous few weeks given that Rafa Benitez’s men were embarking on a three-match winning streak, with victories over West Ham, Swansea City, and Stoke City propelling the North East giants up to fourth in the Premier League.
However, they were unable to keep that run going at the AMEX Stadium on Sunday, with a Tomer Hemed strike six minutes into the second half enough to secure the three points for Chris Hughton’s men, thus condemning the Magpies to a third league defeat of the campaign.
Nonetheless, Benitez’s men have the chance to bounce back against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday, with the Reds themselves struggling for consistency after again failing to win in the Champions League in midweek.
The Merseyside giants could only muster a 1-1 draw away at Spartak Moscow on Tuesday to leave them with two points from their two group matches, and with just one victory in their last three Premier League games as well, it’s not quite clicking for Klopp’s men at the moment.
Ahead of Sunday’s eagerly-anticipated encounter at St James’ Park, here is the Newcastle XI that, if picked by Benitez, will get the job done and beat the Spaniard’s former employers this weekend…
Rob Elliot
Rob Elliot has been first-choice for Benitez throughout the opening few months of the campaign, and looks set to again start against Liverpool on Sunday.
The 31-year-old has only conceded five goals in his six Premier League starts this term and in that time has kept two clean sheets, while also making a string of impressive saves to help the Magpies to three wins in those six matches.
Elliot has certainly proven his worth so far this season, and thus will get the nod between the sticks this weekend.
DeAndre Yedlin
Right-back DeAndre Yedlin missed the first three Premier League games of the campaign due to a hamstring problem, but has since come in and down well at full-back for the Magpies.
The 24-year-old helped Benitez’s men return to the top-flight last year and has so far shown to be a solid and accomplished defender at top tier level, thus keep summer signing Javier Manquillo firmly rooted to the substitute’s bench.
The United States international wasn’t at his best against Brighton last time out, but has done enough in previous encounters to earn himself another starting berth against Liverpool.
Jamaal Lascelles
Captain Jamaal Lascelles has already had a huge impact on Newcastle’s Premier League campaign, be it in their own penalty area or the opposition’s.
The former Nottingham Forest centre-back netted the winner in victories over Swansea City and West Ham earlier in the campaign, but he has also produced some sterling work defensively to help the Magpies to two clean sheets, and only five goals against.
Like the rest of the backline, the 23-year-old wasn’t as assured as usual against Brighton last weekend, but will have to show his captaincy material against Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday.
Ciaran Clark
Although Newcastle failed to keep a clean sheet and ultimately lost at Brighton last week, it’s unlikely that Benitez will ring the changes in his backline given they’ve only conceded five goals in their six Premier League matches thus far.
And that means that Ciaran Clark is again likely to partner Lascelles at the heart of their backline against Liverpool, with the Republic of Ireland international having played every minute so far this term, and doing little wrong in that time.
Thus, summer signing Florian Lejeune may have to wait slightly longer to get another chance in Benitez’s defence.
Chancel Mbemba
Chancel Mbemba has done pretty well deputising at left-back for Newcastle this season, and he looks set to again earn that berth on Sunday against Liverpool.
The 23-year-old, usually a centre-back by trade, started their opening day defeat to Tottenham in his preferred position before moving to left-back against Huddersfield Town a week later, and he has been reasonably solid in a Magpies backline that has performed well for the most part this term.
It won’t be easy defending against Liverpool this weekend with the plethora of attacking talent they have, but Mbemba has proven his worth thus far, and will likely line up against the Reds on Sunday.
Mikel Merino
Summer signing Mikel Merino has been mightily impressive in the Newcastle midfield this term, and as such will almost certainly keep his place against Liverpool on Sunday.
The 21-year-old has moved to St James’ Park on loan for the entirety of the season from Borussia Dortmund, and has started their last five Premier League matches to underline his importance in Benitez’s side.
The Spain Under-21 international looked particularly composed against Brighton last weekend despite the Magpies’ defeat, and as such will look to go one better and make a telling impact against the Reds this weekend.
Jonjo Shelvey
Isaac Hayden has started all six of Newcastle’s Premier League matches this term, but he was far from his best against Brighton last week, and could well make way for Jonjo Shelvey on Sunday.
The England international was sent off against Tottenham on the opening day and subsequently missed the next three matches, yet has enjoyed decent substitute cameos against Stoke and Brighton in recent weeks, and could be ready for a starting berth this weekend.
And the opportunity to line up against his former club could be exactly what the midfielder needs to get back to top form this weekend.
Matt Ritchie
Matt Ritchie has been excellent for Newcastle so far this term, and although they were unable to net against Brighton last weekend, he was the one who looked the most threatening throughout at the AMEX Stadium.
The former Bournemouth winger has laid on four assists in six Premier League games for the Magpies to underline his importance in the final third, with his set piece delivery and overall crossing ability a key part of their success in the early stages of the season.
And against a Liverpool backline that have looked particularly shaky at set pieces this term, and defending in general, Ritchie could once again be their go-to man at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Ayoze Perez
Ayoze Perez has started all six of Newcastle’s league games this term, but with just one assist to show for his efforts, his place could come under threat ahead of Liverpool’s visit this weekend.
However, the 24-year-old gives you pace, tenacity, and an attacking threat which will be vital against the Reds on Sunday, especially given they’ve struggled defensively for much of the season so far.
Perez wasn’t at his best against Brighton last weekend, but with his place coming under increasing scrutiny, the visit of Liverpool could be the perfect time to bring the best out of the Spaniard.
Christian Atsu
Like Perez, winger Christian Atsu was largely ineffective against Brighton, but a fine start to the season for the former Chelsea man should see him start against Liverpool.
The 25-year-old has scored once and laid on one assist in five Premier League starts thus far, and certainly has the pace and trickery to get at the Reds backline on Sunday, although he’ll need more conviction when in good areas to make a telling difference.
Nonetheless, the Ghana international carries a genuine attacking threat when he’s on the ball, and thus could cause Klopp’s men some problems this weekend.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Summer signing Joselu has been guilty of missing golden opportunities in the last few weeks, and Benitez may consider taking him out of the side for Aleksandar Mitrovic on Sunday.
The Serbia international was suspended for three matches after elbowing West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini back on August 30, but prior to then had scored two goals in two appearances for the Magpies this term, one of which coming in his 18-minute cameo against the Hammers.
The 23-year-old certainly has the capability to get under the skin and rattle the Liverpool backline on Saturday, and with Joselu not quite stamping his authority down on the starting berth, Mitrovic may be recalled against Klopp’s men.
