“I’d be shocked if Jurgen Klopp" - Paul Merson prediction ahead of Newcastle

Pundit Paul Merson has made a prediction ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The 54-year-old believes that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will select the same side that took to the field against Villarreal (Champions League semi-final, first leg) at Anfield in midweek.

Merson further added that he sees Liverpool defeating Newcastle United this weekend.

He wrote the following on SportsKeeda: “You’ve got a team that’s won four on the trot playing against a phenomenal Liverpool side this weekend. This game will tell Newcastle how far they’ve come and how far they’ve got to go.

“I’d be shocked if Jurgen Klopp rotated his team this weekend. Villarreal were well out of their depth last night and aren’t going to score three goals next week.

“Liverpool can even afford to lose that game, but they cannot drop points here. Liverpool must win this game because a draw is no good.

“City and Liverpool are miles ahead of every other Premier League team at the moment.

“Newcastle have done great – don’t get me wrong – but they’ll face a different kind of opponent in Liverpool.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

To be honest, we could see Klopp making a few changes simply because injuries do occur if players are not given a rest. The Reds have played a lot of football matches this season.

Yes, Liverpool do need to defeat Newcastle United on Saturday because Manchester City are in pole position to claim the Premier League title (one-point ahead of the Reds in the table).

But, Klopp possesses plenty of squad depth. With that being the case, we are confident that the German could make a few changes and still claim a victory at St James' Park.

We wish Liverpool all the best ahead of the Premier League fixture.