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Eddie Howe makes Sandro Tonali call… Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Liverpool
James Rutherford
3 – 4 minutes
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe must decide what to do with Sandro Tonali against Liverpool on Wednesday.
The Italian midfielder was only fit enough to start on the bench on Sunday, as Newcastle United beat Nottingham Forest.
My 2022 England World Cup Squad & Starting XI
Lewis Miley took Tonali’s place and was exceptional, with the 18-year-old proving once again why he is going to be a superstar for years to come at St James’ Park.
But will he start on Wednesday night at Anfield? That is for Eddie Howe to decide as Geordie Boot Boys predict the Newcastle United starting XI to face Liverpool.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Nick Pope starts again after major Newcastle United change
Heading into the game against Forest, Howe had a big decision to make. He opted to change his goalkeeper, with Nick Pope replacing Martin Dubravka.
Some Newcastle fans questioned Pope’s inclusion, while he did not cover himself in glory for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal.
But Pope played his part in Newcastle’s second goal, and he will retain his place in the side against Liverpool.
Eddie Howe makes midfield decision about Sandro Tonali
The big surprise on Sunday saw Sandro Tonali drop to the bench. A hamstring injury meant he was not risked, but Howe reluctantly brought the 24-year-old on as Newcastle tried to see the game out.
They did just that, and the hope will be that Tonali is fit to start at Anfield.
If that is the case, Howe will have a dilemma – does Tonali take Joe Willock’s place, or Lewis Miley’s?
Joe Willock played well against Forest, but he is surely the most at risk of dropping to the bench. Miley is playing so well that he has to start against Liverpool, and he should join Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.
READ MORE: Who is Lewis Miley? Age, Height, Position, Salary, School, Brothers
The Newcastle front three that can hurt Liverpool
Yet again, it will be Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in attack for Newcastle United.
It would be a huge surprise if Callum Wilson or Harvey Barnes started. Instead, their opportunities may come on Sunday in the FA Cup against Brighton.
Focussing on Liverpool, Newcastle have attackers who can hurt Arne Slot’s side. Gordon and Isak have excellent records against Liverpool since joining the Magpies. Gordon has got two goals and one assist in his last three games against Liverpool, while Isak has three goals and one assist from five appearances.
Predicted XI vs Liverpool: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Bruno; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
