Liverpool Faces Newcastle Amid Injury Concerns

Liverpool is set to face Newcastle United at St James' Park, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, currently 11 points clear of Manchester City and nine ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea. Manager Arne Slot has named a squad with several key players sidelined due to injuries, including Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota, while Federico Chiesa is nearing a return. Caoimhin Kelleher will continue as goalkeeper in Alisson's absence, and Slot emphasized the importance of a strong defensive unit, which has contributed to Liverpool's success this season. Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, is eager to bounce back from a disappointing run of form, having secured only one point from their last two matches, and will have a mostly fit squad to challenge Liverpool. Howe remains optimistic about his team's capabilities at home, despite the absence of regular starter Sven Botman. The match is anticipated to be a crucial one for both teams as Liverpool aims to maintain their title challenge and Newcastle seeks to regain momentum.