Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola must decide between Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo for the centre-back spot alongside Virgil van Dijk when his side open their Premier League campaign at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
The decision comes after Liverpool completed their pre-season with a 2-0 friendly win over Como at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo and Jacquet scoring in the first half. The result ended a run of two successive warm-up defeats.
Centre-back choice
With Joe Gomez injured and Giovanni Leoni not yet ready to return after his ACL injury last September, the position is a straight shootout between £60million man Jacquet and on-loan Araujo, both of whom debuted for 45 minutes against Como.
Jacquet was the more impressive, but Araujo's greater experience suggests he could be given the nod. Wataru Endo and Luke Chambers have also featured in the heart of defence in pre-season. At left-back, Milos Kerkez is the clear favourite ahead of Kostas Tsimikas, while injuries to Gomez and Conor Bradley mean Jeremie Frimpong is almost certain to start at right-back, although Araujo can also do a job there. Calvin Ramsay has still not featured in the Premier League. In goal, Alisson Becker is first choice ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili, with Freddie Woodman not involved in the last two weekends.
Settled midfield
Florian Wirtz is the number 10 around whom Iraola plans to build his attack, with the Germany international likely among the first names on the teamsheet. Behind him, the recently preferred duo of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are primed to start again given Alexis Mac Allister only returned to training last week and Curtis Jones, wanted by Inter Milan, has been missing for almost a fortnight with a hip problem.
Teenager Trey Nyoni has been a regular option in the two deeper midfield roles during the summer. The more attack-minded Harvey Elliott has appeared hampered by his lack of football in recent years and may not even make the bench at St James' Park. James McConnell is another engine room option but could have departed on loan before the match.
Ngumoha or Koumas?
One of Iraola's biggest decisions is who to line up on the right flank of the attack. Alexander Isak is the first-choice central striker, while Gakpo's recent performances suggest he will start on the left. The right-wing role would appear to be between Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas, given Iraola has previously stated £34.5million man Victor Munoz is not ready to start the season after his late return from the World Cup.
Federico Chiesa and youngsters Kieran Morrison and Will Wright have had opportunities during the warm-up programme but would have bench duty at best. Much could change should Liverpool make a signing or two over the next few days with the clock ticking down towards transfer deadline day.
