Liverpool vs Newcastle live: Ibrahima Konate returns to ease Reds’ injury crisis ahead of Premier League clash | OneFootball

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Slot on Frimpong injury and defensive shortage

Liverpool host Newcastle in today’s late Premier League kick with the aim of getting their campaign back on track after a run of stuttering results.

The Reds have not won in any of their last five league matches and went down 3-2 to Bournemouth last weekend thanks to a stoppage-time winner from the Cherries. However, Arne Slot’s men secured a confidence boosting 6-0 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League during the week and they will hope to carry that form into the tricky encounter tonight.

Newcastle, meanwhile, impressed in their own Champions League outing by forcing a 1-1 draw with the holders Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc de Princes. Though that draw ended with the Magpies in the play-off round, it was a strong result following a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in their previous fixture.

The teams last meeting in the league was a thrilling affair back in August as Newcastle twice pegged Liverpool back before 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha netted a 100th minute winner to earn the Reds a 3-2 win.

Liverpool vs Newcastle team changes

Arne Slot makes two changes from the team that lined-up against Qarabag during the week.

Jeremie Frimpong is injured so he is replaced by Ibrahima Konate while Milos Kerkez comes in for Any Robertson.

As for Newcastle, Eddie Howe makes three changes to the team that drew with PSG. Out go Lewis Miley, Sven Botman and Nick Woltemade with Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga and Kieran Trippier replacing them.

Mike Jones31 January 2026 18:55

Liverpool team to face Newcastle

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

Mike Jones31 January 2026 18:45

Almost time for team news

We’re now just a few minutes away from the line-ups being revealed for the game.

I’d expect both managers to make a few tweaks to their teams but how they’ll set up - with both juggling injuries to key players - remains unknown... for now.

Mike Jones31 January 2026 18:42

Slot on Anfield atmosphere

Arne Slot is looking forward to the atmosphere the Liverpool fans will bring to tonight’s match with Newcastle.

Writing in his programme notes for the game, the Liverpool boss said: “Our clubs share a great history and I have no doubt whatsoever that this encounter will be every bit as competitive as the ones that have preceded it.

"After our last meeting I spoke about the impact that a hostile home crowd had on that occasion so I am really looking forward to seeing - and more importantly, hearing - our fans do the same under the lights at Anfield.

"As always, we will be looking to create that virtuous circle of performance on the pitch and a passionate atmosphere in the stands so let's look to be the best that we can be."

Arne Slot hopes to reignite Liverpool's Premier League form (REUTERS)

Mike Jones31 January 2026 18:36

Why I’m breaking up with Eddie Howe... maybe

I’ve been getting asked to “say something” about Newcastle United for, like, six months now, so here you are. My name is Adam Clery and I am in a toxic relationship with my football team.

The problem I have is that I cling – tightly – to two entirely contradictory opinions. The first is that I actually don’t ever want Eddie Howe to not be Newcastle United manager. I’d give him the job until he is biologically unable to keep doing it. In 100 years’ time I would quite happily see a brain floating in a jar of formaldehyde on the touchline, Adidas-branded electrodes running wires to a printer that just keeps spitting out a piece of paper with “4-3-3” written on it.

Why I’m breaking up with Eddie Howe… maybe

Adam Clery loves Eddie Howe like only a fan in a toxic relationship can – but even he wonders if Newcastle need a shake-up

Adam Cleary31 January 2026 18:30