Liverpool line-ups as Curtis Jones and Takumi Minamino start vs Newcastle

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Minamino can have another go down the middle

Ian Doyle: Farewell, then, to the 2019/20 season. You literally went on forever.

The clash at Newcastle United is perhaps one that could offer a few glimpses of the future for Liverpool.

Indeed, it seems Adam Lallana won’t be involved at all while it would be surprising if Dejan Lovren features given he’s also on his way out.

So, who to include?

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Neco Williams can come in in at right-back and give Trent Alexander-Arnold a rest. He deserves to put his feet up. The rest of the defence, though, can stay the same.

In midfield, James Milner merits a start and Naby Keita simply needs to keep playing to further bolster confidence after his excellent run of form.

Mohamed Salah is desperate to get to 20 league goals so he’s in, but Takumi Minamino can have another go down the middle with Sadio Mane on the left.

Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi would be the perfect substitutes. Oh, and Andy Lonergan should be on the bench and given a run-out in the last minute.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Williams, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Milner, Keita; Salah, Minamino, Mane.

An opportunity for Keita and Jones

Connor Dunn: The final game of the season presents Jurgen Klopp with somewhat of an opportunity.

For both Liverpool and Newcastle, it is a dead rubber and therefore a chance to experiment and give players a chance to show what they can do ahead of next season.

It’s also a unique situation, due to not being one that can be replicated on the training ground, because the opposition are a Premier League side who will fight not to lose at home on the final day of the season.

That gives anyone on the pitch a chance to prove themselves and with that in mind I’d like to see Curtis Jones start for Liverpool alongside Naby Keita and Fabinho in the midfield three.

Newcastle aren’t a team with total attacking prowess and combination between Jones and Keita could be devastating with Fabinho having enough to hold on his own.

Elsewhere it is all the usual suspects because the Reds should be aiming for a club record 99 points this season so starting strong and securing a win is my preferred choice.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Jones, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Might find a ready made Lallana replacement

Peter Harris: The current season may finally be coming to a close but the new campaign will be here before we know it.

With that in mind, Jurgen Klopp might be tempted to give some of his fringe players and young stars a chance to show what they are capable of.

Imminent departures of Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren mean key members of the squad need to be replaced but that could be from within as a quiet summer transfer window is expected.

Naby Keita is still putting on performances making him undroppable while Curtis Jones will want to let his manager know he doesn’t need to dip into the market to find a Lallana squad replacement. Another, will be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who should get the nod and chance to show if he can provide a solution to an area that has frequently raised questions.

Takumi Minamino has not yet sparked into life but much like Keita, with the right amount of time and opportunity, it may not be long before he starts to flourish.

The Japanese forward should get a chance to start at St James’ Park as the only chance to the front three, with Salah still playing for that Golden Boot – albeit with very slim chances. Both the Egyptian and Sadio Mane looked angered to be substituted against Chelsea midweek, and could be hoping for a big scoring finish to the season.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Minamino, Mane.