Arne Slot won't be on the touchline as Liverpool takes on Newcastle in the Premier League. But he has named his starting XI with decisions on Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Cody Gakpo could return to the Liverpool starting XI against Newcastle United while Arne Slot also faces a Dominik Szoboszlai dilemma when making his team selection.

In goal, it's Alisson Becker. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the only fit right-back, while Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk can continue at centre-back for now. But Kostas Tsimikas can come in at left-back.

Gakpo missed Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa due to the knock he sustained in the Merseyside derby at Everton last week. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Etihad, Arne Slot said on Thursday that Gakpo is still not back in full training and it will be a “close call” whether he is ready to face City.

Another player who is likely to miss out is Cody Gakpo. The Dutch attacker missed the previous game, and Slot doesn’t expect the 25-year-old forward to travel to Villa Park either. Gakpo has been in terrific form this season, and it looks like it won’t be long before he makes a comeback to the side.

Liverpool will definitely be without Joe Gomez who has undergone surgery on his hamstring injury, while Connor Bradley is expected to miss out after picking up an injury on Wednesday at Villa Park.

After Arsenal’s slip-up at home to West Ham on Saturday, will Liverpool capitalise this afternoon and further extend their lead at the top of the Premier League?

Liverpool head coach has named a starting XI to face Man City at the Etihad Stadium for the first time with decisions made on Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, among others.