Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Liverpool: Eddie Howe's defence needs a BIG turnaround

Newcastle United need a big turnaround in Premier League form after they were utterly humiliated against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. Unfortunately for Eddie Howe, though, the fixtures don't get any easier, as I present to you the predicted Newcastle lineup vs Liverpool for the New Year's Day fixture...

Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Liverpool

GK - Martin Dubravka: Dubravka could be walking on thin ice since the January window is about to open, and it will be open by the time this game kicks off. Eddie Howe won't sign a goalkeeper early enough, so Dubravka will be trusted for this game.

RB - Tino Livramento: The game against Nottingham Forest showed that the defence might not be as cohesive as it was last season. Therefore, a fresh approach is necessary. Tino Livramento has great pace and he could deal with the rampant Newcastle attack well, so he should slot in at right back.

CB - Sven Botman: Jamaal Lascelles is officially ruled out of this match, so the big man Sven Botman will return to the starting eleven again. He'll need a better performance than last time out, though.

CB - Fabian Schar: Schar has been one of our best players this season and he has excelled in some big games already, so let's hope he isn't fazed by the occasion of this match.

LB - Kieran Trippier: If I were Eddie Howe, I would use Trippier's versatility to good affect here. It's clear that Dan Burn is still rusty, so pairing him with Mohamed Salah is not the best idea. I would start Trippier instead, who could match Salah's attributes better.

Continued on the next slide...