Liverpool (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & score prediction
Our second away game in four days and another tough early season test as Eddie Howe's injury hit Mags travel to Anfield.
We arrive on Merseyside buoyed by the late point picked up at Wolves, however we'll be forced to field a pretty weak side based on the number of key players who are expected to sit this one out.
With Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin all nursing minor hamstring problems, this may be our toughest test yet as we look to preserve our unbeaten start to 2022/23.
Liverpool have generally been below their best so far. They've been held by Fulham and Crystal Palace, also losing to an out of form Man Utd, however Saturday's 9-0 win over Bournemouth was a devastating reminder of what they're capable of.
Howe feels it will be another "really good examination" of where we're at as a team, but has urged his players to "play with no fear" after our strong start to the season, hoping we can continue to play the brave brand of football we're beginning to "have confidence in."
The presence of club record buy Alexander Isak would be a huge boost, especially with ASM and Wilson ruled out, however we are STILL waiting for the Swede to receive a work permit - which must arrive at least 75 minutes before kick-off to enable him to play.
Team news
Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin look set to miss out with minor hamstring issues, while Alexander Isak will only be eligible should he receive international clearance in time.
Kieran Trippier "should be fine" after picking up a knock at Wolves, but Callum Wilson (hamstring), Emil Krafth (ACL) Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring) and Kell Watts (knee) remain out.
Martin Dubravka has arrived in Manchester for his medical at Old Trafford, so it'll be Karl Darlow on the bench once again.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett – Willock, Longstaff, Joelinton - Almiron, Anderson, Fraser.
At the back, I expect Matt Targett to come in for Dan Burn. The latter looks more comfortable at centre-back and may really struggle against Mo Salah, not to mention the fact we looked more balanced when the former Aston Villa man came on at Wolves.
The midfield could be unchanged given Guimaraes and Shelvey remain out, however I think we might see a few changes up top.
Wood isn't really mobile enough to be part of a counter-attacking side that can hurt Liverpool on the break, so I fancy Howe to play a false nine who is capable of running at the back and getting at the Reds' high line. With that in mind and Saint-Maximin out, I reckon we could see Anderson, Fraser and Almiron in attack.
Perhaps Murphy is more likely to start than Anderson, but I'd back our fearless, talented and tenacious local lad to do a better job.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson - Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Diaz.
One to watch: Harvey Elliot. Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the star men, but the teenage talent is someone our midfield three must be wary of. In a midfield that can sometimes lack zip without Thiago, he can be the man who makes them tick.
Prediction
With so many key players out and the squad likely to be tired after that hard fought point at Wolves, I think Klopp's side will have too much for us here.
I back us to be competitive, solid defensively and a threat on the counter in flashes, but with no Wilson, Bruno or ASM it feels like a real tough ask here.
You just never know with Eddie Howe's ever-improving Mags, mind!
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
