Jürgen Klopp has explained the thinking behind his two changes to the Liverpool team to face Newcastle United.

Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replace Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson as the Reds return to Premier League action at Anfield.

Ahead of kick-off, Klopp outlined why the schedule of the pre-match preparations influenced his choice of starting XI.

“Of course, we have to think about these things,” the manager told BT Sport.

“Hendo is ready, Bobby is probably ready, but it’s not about being ready – it’s a bigger picture and we have to think about that.

“We could have made more changes but we need the rhythm as well and it makes not too much sense. A lot of games are coming up.

“We did it with all, we respect Newcastle too much for rotating for rotating. We really want to have the best starting line-up we can have for the specific opponent and that’s what we thought is the right one.

“We could train with that group since Wednesday or so and that helps; OK, Fabinho came in a bit late but with all the others we could train since Wednesday. So that’s good and that’s what we try to use.”