PREM: Liverpool v Newcastle preview

Liverpool v Newcastle preview

Virgil van Dijk has urged Liverpool to maintain their momentum when they host Newcastle on Boxing Day.

The Reds are four points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Wolves on Friday and then seeing Manchester City lose to Crystal Palace.

Eight of the last nine teams to lead at Christmas have won the league, but Van Dijk said: "There is a long way to go yet.

"It's a position that everyone wants to be in and we are in it at the moment. That's the only thing it is and we need to keep going.

"The next game is Newcastle United on Wednesday and then Arsenal and Manchester City, so it can change but we are not going to think about that. We take it game by game."

Newcastle were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Fulham on Saturday, leaving them five points above the relegation zone.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to return after missing the last two matches with a foot injury.

Naby Keita is expected to resume training ahead of the game after sustaining a foot injury and bruised ribs at Wolves on Friday.

Centre-backs Joe Gomez (fractured leg) and Joel Matip (broken collarbone) remain sidelined for another three to four weeks.

Newcastle will be without Ki Sung-yueng after he headed off to the Asian Cup.

Central midfielder Ki was required to meet up with the South Korea squad in Abu Dhabi ahead of next month's tournament by December 26 and with Jonjo Shelvey struggling to shake off a thigh injury, Isaac Hayden could come into contention.

Defender Ciaran Clark missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Fulham because of an ankle problem, although Federico Fernandez was included among the substitutes after recovering from a calf injury, but keeper Karl Darlow (elbow) is still out.