The Reds face a tough test on Tyneside on the back of a long trip to Turkey in midweek, when drawing 3-3 with Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.
However, Erik's men are in good form domestically, winning five of our last six Premier League matches and not conceding a goal in our last three victories.
There are four changes to the starting line-up. Luke Shaw looks set to play centre-back, alongside fellow England international Harry Maguire, with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both starting.
Kobbie Mainoo starts for the second successive league match, and is up against fellow youngster Lewis Miley in the middle of the park.