Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has several selection decisions to make ahead of the final pre-season friendly against Como at Anfield on Sunday evening. The Reds are coming off a 3-2 loss to Monaco, where a raft of substitutions weakened the team after Alexander Isak had given them the lead.
Defensive reshuffle likely
Iraola is hopeful that £60million centre-back Jeremy Jacquet will have his first minutes as a Liverpool player, having not been ready to return from a shoulder operation earlier in the year. However, the Frenchman is unlikely to start at Newcastle, suggesting that imminent loan arrival Ronald Araujo may line up against Como alongside Virgil van Dijk in preparation for a likely debut.
Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni remain absent, while teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe is ineligible for competitive action until next season. Wataru Endo, who played centre-back in the second half against Monaco, will be on standby. In goal, Alisson Becker remains first choice, and Milos Kerkez is preferred at left-back over Kostas Tsimikas. With Conor Bradley and Gomez injured, Jeremie Frimpong is the only senior right-back available.
Midfield boost
Alexis Mac Allister has returned to training after World Cup duty and Curtis Jones is expected to be available after a minor hip complaint. However, Iraola has indicated Mac Allister won't be ready to start at Newcastle and may only get bench duty against Como. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are emerging as the likely central midfield pairing, with Trey Nyoni a substitute option. Florian Wirtz is the number 10, with Harvey Elliott still building match fitness.
Forward line intrigue
Alexander Isak should start down the middle after scoring against Monaco. New signing Victor Munoz is primed for more minutes on the left, but Cody Gakpo would appear to be the man in possession. Rio Ngumoha operated on the right when replacing Lewis Koumas, while Federico Chiesa's claims were not helped by a fitful cameo. Kieran Morrison was an unused substitute.
