Liverpool begin the new Premier League season this afternoon with a trip to Newcastle United, marking the first competitive game in charge for new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Basque replaced the sacked Arne Slot after the previous campaign, and special tributes are planned for Liverpool and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan at St James' Park.
Centre-Back Debate: Jacquet or Araujo?
The main selection question for Iraola is who partners Virgil van Dijk at centre-back. Jeremy Jacquet impressed against Como last week but has not played competitively since February, while Ronald Araujo offers experience and a defence-first mindset. Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle both favour Araujo for the cauldron of St James' Park, while Theo Squires and Mark Jones opt for Jacquet following his eye-catching 45 minutes against Como.
Midfield and Attack Picks
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to start at the base, with Florian Wirtz as the number 10. Alexis Mac Allister is the odd man out after his belated return from World Cup exploits, according to Gorst and Squires. Up front, Alexander Isak leads the line against his former club, flanked by Cody Gakpo on the left and Rio Ngumoha on the right, with the Reds yet to source a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Predicted Lineups from Our Writers
Paul Gorst's team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Ian Doyle's team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Theo Squires' team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Mark Jones' team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
It is exactly 40 years to the day since Liverpool last opened the season at Newcastle United, when they were reigning champions in a 2-0 victory. The match kicks off this afternoon at St James' Park.
