United head to Merseyside looking to build on an encouraging run of results which has seen them draw with Spurs and beat Burnley and West Ham in the last three weeks.

And head coach Bruce has kept faith with the line-up that began the 3-2 win over the Hammers last weekend, meaning matchwinner Joe Willock - who came off the bench to bag the winner at St. James’ Park - has to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Martin Dúbravka starts in goal against the reigning champions, with Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie in the wing-back positions either side of a back three comprising Federico Fernández, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett.

Jonjo Shelvey captains the side in the continued absence of the injured Jamaal Lascelles, and resumes his partnership with Longstaff in the middle of the park.

And Miguel Almirón, Joelinton and Saint-Maximin will look to spearhead the Magpies’ attacks against the Reds.

There are plenty of offensive options on the bench, with leading goalscorer Callum Wilson named alongside Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle and Arsenal loanee Willock.

Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie deputises for the injured number two Karl Darlow, while Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth, Jamal Lewis and Jeff Hendrick provide further reinforcements.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka; Jacob Murphy, Federico Fernández, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie; Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff; Miguel Almirón, Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin.

Substitutes: Mark Gillespie, Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth, Jamal Lewis, Jeff Hendrick, Joe Willock, Dwight Gayle, Callum Wilson, Andy Carroll.