Team News: Daniel Sturridge handed rare Liverpool start

Daniel Sturridge has been handed just a third start of the season in all competitions for Liverpool's trip to face Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The 28-year-old has struggled to break into the team so far this term, but he is given a chance to shine in the North-East as Roberto Firmino drops to the bench.

Joe Gomez, Simon Mignolet and Georginio Wijnaldum also return to the starting lineup, with Jurgen Klopp making four changes on the back of his side's 1-1 draw at CSKA Moscow in midweek.

There is also a 250th appearance in Liverpool colours for Jordan Henderson, who links up with Wijnaldum and Philippe Coutinho in a three-man midfield.

In terms of the home side, ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez brings in Javier Manquillo and Jonjo Shelvey for Chancel Mbemba and Isaac Hayden - the former of whom misses out on selection entirely.

There is a place among the subs for Dwight Gayle, meanwhile, who scored four goals in four appearances against Liverpool during his time at Crystal Palace.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is eligible to feature after returning from a three-match ban, but he is not included in the 18-man squad, with Joselu tasked to lead the line.

Newcastle United: Elliot; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Manquillo; Merino, Shelvey; Ritchie, Perez, Atsu; Joselu Subs: Darlow, Gamez, Lejeune, Diame, Hayden, Murphy, Gayle

Liverpool: Mignolet; Gomez, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Coutinho; Salah, Mane, Sturridge Subs: Karius, Klavan, Milner, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Firmino, Solanke

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