Liverpool players wrestle in training as they prepare for weekend Premier League scrap at Newcastle United

  • Liverpool's players took part in a wrestling drill in training at Melwood on Friday
  • The exercise saw two men grab forearms and try to tug the foe to the ground
  • Following their midweek draw the Reds travel to Newcastle United on Sunday 

If Liverpool are to catch up to the Manchester clubs, who are threatening to run away at the top of the Premier League, then they have to be prepared for a scrap.

Certainly, the players were in fighting mood in training on Friday afternoon, ahead of their Sunday trip to Newcastle United.

The Reds players took part in a drill which saw two men holding on to each others' forearms, and then attempt to use their balance and strength to pull the other over while keeping their own balance. 

Liverpool's players took part in a wrestling drill in training at Melwood on Friday afternoon

Liverpool's players took part in a wrestling drill in training at Melwood on Friday afternoon

The exercise saw two men grab each others' forearms and attempt to tug the foe to the ground

The exercise saw two men grab each others' forearms and attempt to tug the foe to the ground

The different training drill comes before Liverpool travel to Newcastle United on Sunday

The different training drill comes before Liverpool travel to Newcastle United on Sunday

There were some intriguing match-ups - James Milner versus Simon Mignolet looked like an equally matched contest - and the players seemed to enjoy the task. 


It was all overseen by manager Jurgen Klopp, who knows nothing less than a win at newly promoted Newcastle is required to keep them in touch with the league leaders. 

Klopp seemed pleased to have Sadio Mane available in full training, with the forward having missed their previous Premier League game, the win away to Leicester City.

Training was over seen by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who looked in a serious mood

Training was over seen by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who looked in a serious mood

The German however was pleased to have Sadio Mane after he missed the Leicester City win

The German however was pleased to have Sadio Mane after he missed the Leicester City win

Mane did play in the midweek Champions League trip to Spartak Moscow - playing alongside Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah in what has been dubbed Liverpool's 'Fab Four'.

However, despite such attacking riches, Liverpool could only manage a 1-1 draw in Russia and will be hoping for better against Newcastle. 

One mater for debate will be who plays in goal - Mignolet, Loris Karius and Danny Ward were all in training action on Friday.

Mignolet and Karius have shared duties as No 1 so far this campaign, with Karius playing in the midweek visit to Moscow. 

Goalkeeper Loris Karius and striker Daniel Sturridge stretch as they warm-up for training

Goalkeeper Loris Karius and striker Daniel Sturridge stretch as they warm-up for training

Philippe Coutinho does shuttle runs as Liverpool prepare for a tricky trip to St. James' Park 

Philippe Coutinho does shuttle runs as Liverpool prepare for a tricky trip to St. James' Park 

Liverpool will be relying on Roberto Firmino and his fellow 'Fab Four' members on Sunday

Liverpool will be relying on Roberto Firmino and his fellow 'Fab Four' members on Sunday