Liverpool team news vs Newcastle as Arne Slot makes Dominik Szoboszlai call

The Reds were always going to be forced into a change at right-back following Jeremie Frimpong's midweek injury against Qarabag. There's also a switch at left-back for the Reds

Liverpool vs Newcastle team news confirmed

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has made two changes to his Liverpool side for Saturday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United, from the one which started in midweek against Qarabag.

The Reds were always going to be forced into at least one alteration following the injury Jeremie Frimpong suffered on Wednesday. The right-back unavailable, and the continued absence of Conor Bradley, means Dominik Szobszlai looks set to deputize in defense.

He is joined in the back four by Ibrahima Konate, who returns to the team after missing the last three matches as he was on compassionate leave in France following the death of his father. As expected, he partners Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defense.

Milos Kerkez is the only other change from the Qarabag line-up, with the left-back coming in to replace Andy Robertson, who drops to the bench.

Ryan Gravenberch looks set to push into midfield, having started at center-back in midweek. He is joined by Alexis Mac Allister, fresh from his two-goal contribution against Qarabag.

In the attacking areas, Mohamed Salah will be looking to build on his goalscoring return on Wednesday, much like Florian Wirtz, who is expected to play in a no.10 role.

Mohamed Salah was back among the goals against Qarabag

Cody Gakpo starts at left wing, with the winger hoping to score his first goal at Anfield since October.

Hugo Ekitike could have been lining up in black and white had things gone differently last summer. Instead, he ended up at Anfield and leads the line for Liverpool.

The Frenchman said earlier this week that he will not be phased if he receives a bad reception from the away fans, and also moved up to 13 goals for the season when he scored against Qarabag. However, he last scored a league goal on December 20.

Ekitike turned down the chance to join Newcastle last summer(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Curtis Jones is among the Liverpool substitutes after being linked with a move away from the club in the last 24 hours.

Liverpool heads into Saturday's game in sixth place, but could move up to fourth with a victory. Alternatively, should the visitors take three points, they will overtake the champions in the table.

Liverpool starting XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Nallo, Ramsay, Robertson, Endo, Nyoni, Jones, Chiesa, Ngumoha.