Newcastle United squad revealed for Liverpool as late decision made

Eddie Howe may have felt he had finally found his winning formula just a few weeks ago, but one point from the last two Premier Leaague games may have forced him think again.

The Newcastle United head coach knows a positive performance is essential against Liverpool tonight as his side look to send a strong message to their Premier League rivals. It's not unusual to see the Magpies lift their game against the better sides, but they will need to be much better this evening to keep Arne Slot's high-flying Reds at bay.

On the plus side, Howe has a strong squad available to him tonight, with Sven Botman the only first-team regular guaranteed to miss out. The Dutch defender continues his recovery from ACL surgery but is counting down the days until he can return, along with Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth.

Alexander Isak feels he is ready to face Liverpool, despite limping out of the draw at Crystal Palace with a hip injury. Howe, as expected, was less certain, but the Swedish striker will be given every chance to prove his fitness. He joins Dan Burn as a concern, with the big defender coming through the game at Selhurst Park despite struggling with an ankle issue.

Both are set to be in the squad tonight, with Callum Wilson also that much further down the road towards playing a bigger role after two substitute appearances. Kieran Trippier joins the likes of Sean Longstaff, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron in looking for more gametime, but it makes for a strong bench at the very least.

Howe remains confident, of course, saying: "I think we're always confident at home. I think regardless of the opponent, we have to be our best selves and we have to learn lessons from previous games and find ways to evolve and improve.

READ MORE: How to watch Newcastle United vs Liverpool, TV channel, streaming details and kick-off time

"Very recently we beat Chelsea in the cup and Arsenal at home - there's absolutely no reason why we can't continue that positive run. We have to view the game for what it is. We have to, as I say, nullify their threats. We have to be strong defensively, but we have to bring our strengths as well and our strengths are unique to us when we're playing at home."

Sandro Tonali was handed a start at Palace but it remains to be seen whether the Italian will keep his place tonight or if Longstaff returns to the starting XI. Teams news will land at 6.15pm this evening, and you can follow all the latest right here on ChronicleLive.

Newcastle United squad vs Liverpool: Pope, Dubravka, Vlachodimos, Ruddy, Livramento, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Kelly, Hall, Targett, Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock, Joelinton, Longstaff, Murphy, Almiron, Barnes, Gordon, Osula, Wilson, Isak.