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Liverpool had little time to ride high after a positive result against Manchester City and now preparations for Newcastle United are well underway.

The Reds welcome the Magpies to Merseyside on Wednesday evening, little over two weeks before the sides meet at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.

After earning an 11-point lead in the Premier League, Arne Slot's side will want to maintain that gap and send a message to Eddie Howe's team.

A rare weekend without a game will follow for Slot and co, allowing the Dutchman time to take stock before Champions League action returns.

Mac Allister knock

Alexis Mac Allister came out of his side's clash with Manchester City a little worse for wear it appears, after the midfielder revealed he suffered a swollen cheek and a black eye.

"I felt a little bit dizzy but it is something that happens."

Van Dijk's demand

After beating Manchester City at the weekend, Virgil van Dijk's focus remains on sustaining that momentum, particularly at home.

The Reds captain has called upon his team-mates to turn Anfield into a fortress for the final Premier League run-in, where most of their matches come with home advantage.

He said: "I mentioned it after that [Wolves] game, that obviously it's pretty normal, humans, there could be some anxious feelings kicking in.

That could still be the case, but I think it only helps us and them as well to make Anfield horrible for the opponent, like most of the time we have been doing that, and obviously the way we play obviously helps with that as well.

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