Three changes Jurgen Klopp should consider for Liverpool’s clash against Newcastle United

Liverpool are eyeing an eighth successive victory when they host Newcastle at Anfield on Thursday evening (20.00).

And, to be frank, who couldn't fancy the Reds to extend their imperious winning streak?

Having put Everton, Arsenal, AC Milan, Wolves and most recently Aston Villa to the sword, they now face a Magpies side in the mire.

Newcastle are second-bottom in the Premier League table and there are serious fears about their survival chances despite their recent Saudi Arabian-backed takeover.

Eddie Howe's men were thrashed 4-0 by Leicester at the weekend and they desperately need to add reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Therefore, Jurgen Klopp - whose side will again move within a point of Manchester City with a triumph - could be tempted to make changes to his team that beat Villa 1-0 last Saturday.

With the hectic festive period swiftly approaching, it seems an ideal opportunity to rotate the squad and give some players respite.

Here are three switches Klopp may look to make.

Kostas Tsimikas for Andy Robertson

After coming in for some flak earlier in the season, it's fair to say that Robertson has bounced back to his imperious best in recent weeks.

The Scot has recaptured his barnstorming attacking threat that has been the hallmark of his game in recent seasons. Performances against Southampton and Everton were particularly eye-catching.

Jurgen Klopp was always adamant Robertson would remain his first-choice left-back despite calls for Tsimikas to be handed a chance.

The Greek's performed adeptly when handed opportunities. It's why he's already made 11 appearances this season, which is five more than the entirety of last term.

Klopp may feel he can afford to hand Robertson a rest against a struggling Newcastle outfit ahead of a clash with Tottenham on Sunday.

Naby Keita for Thiago Alcantara

It feels like Thiago is finally beginning to build some momentum at Anfield.

During his 18 months at the club, spells in the team have been stuttering - primarily due to injuries.

But since returning from a calf problem in November, Thiago has become increasingly influential.

The Spain international has started the past five Premier League games, with the Reds taking maximum points in each.

Klopp's wary he has to manage Thiago's fitness, though, so he doesn't break down again and this is an ideal game to do so.

Like Thiago, Keita has had his problems in the treatment room and only just recovered from a hamstring issue.

The former RB Leipzig midfielder also needs to be carefully looked after so he doesn't sustain another setback.

Still, Keita also requires a return to action from the outset at some point. Heading off to the African Cup of Nations in a couple of weeks, Klopp could want to maximise Keita as much as possible beforehand.

After coming off the bench in the 2-1 win at AC Milan, the plan could be to hand the Guinea international an hour before withdrawing him.

Diogo Jota for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

This would be a no-brainer to most if Jota is fit enough to start.

The forward could only make the bench against Villa because of injury and was subdued by his own standards after coming on after 57 minutes.

Jota missed a big opportunity in the closing stages, albeit he was slipped in too late by Mo Salah.

Even still, Jota - in many people's eyes - is now first-choice striker at Anfield. Even when Roberto Firmino is fully fit again, Jota's proven a potent threat with nine goals so far, and plenty of fans prefer him spearheading the attack than the Brazilian.

Credit to Oxlade-Chamberlain for stepping up against Villa. With Divock Origi unavailable, Klopp needed someone to fill the void and lead the line.

Oxlade-Chamberlain would admit he's not a centre-forward and Liverpool were not quite at their free-flowing best in the first half.

Having the versatile former Arsenal man as a midfield option would be something both player and manager would be more comfortable with.