Liverpool begin life under Andoni Iraola as they face Newcastle United in their first Premier League match of the season at St. James’ Park on Sunday at 16:30 local time, as they hope to kickstart the year by claiming all three points.
The Reds won their final pre-season outing against Como but there remain doubts about whether they have a competitive enough squad with enough depth for this year. With the team set to be tested sternly away from home, here is a look at how their starting eleven is likely to look like versus the Magpies.
Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker is expected to start as the number one in between the sticks for Liverpool ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Defenders – Virgil van Dijk has been ever-present in the heart of Liverpool’s backline over the last few seasons and will start as one of their indispensable players again. The club’s captain is likely to partner alongside £60 million summer recruit Jeremy Jacquet, who may make his official debut by partnering with van Dijk, ahead of fellow new signing Ronald Araujo.
Jeremie Frimpong might start as the right back, whereas Milos Kerkez might round off the back four with a spot on the left side.
Isak starts against his former side
Midfielders – Alexis Mac Allister was one of the last Liverpool players to return for pre-season after playing in the World Cup final with Argentina, so he may not be ready for the fixture just yet.
Therefore, Ryan Gravenberch is expected to start in the double pivot with Dominik Szoboszlai, who had a relatively quiet summer and will be among the Reds’ fresher players at the start of the campaign.
Florian Wirtz might be picked as the number 10 to round off the engine room for the visitors.
Rio Ngumoha may be handed a nod down the right flank, whereas Cody Gakpo could start on the left wing despite being linked with a swoop to Tottenham Hotspur.
Forward – Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line versus his former employers.
Here is Liverpool’s possible starting eleven is likely to look on paper.
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