Ronald Araujo is in line to make his competitive Liverpool debut against Newcastle this weekend.
Liverpool kick off a new era under Andoni Iraola at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon and the biggest decision facing the Spanish tactician is who to partner captain Virgil van Dijk with in central defence.
With Joe Gomez sidelined with an injury sustained in pre-season and Giovanni Leoni a long-term absentee, it leaves Araujo and summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet as the two senior options at Iraola's disposal.
Araujo's advantage
Both got 45 minutes under their belts in the final summer friendly against Como last weekend, with the Frenchman marking his Anfield bow with a goal shortly before half-time.
However, taking into account that Jacquet struggled with fitness throughout pre-season and an overall lack of game time over the past six months - having undergone shoulder surgery while still at former club Rennes in February - Iraola may adopt a cautious approach.
Furthermore, Araujo has the advantage of previously experiencing the St James' Park atmosphere, proving he can be called upon for what remains one the toughest away fixtures in the Premier League - despite Newcastle's troubles over the summer.
Team selection and absentees
The rest of the Liverpool team pretty much picks itself with Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez completing the back five, while Ryan Gravenberch should start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, even though Trey Nyoni impressed in pre-season.
Curtis Jones will not be involved on Sunday as he has flown to Italy to finalise his move to Inter Milan. Alexis Mac Allister has played just 54 minutes for the Reds this summer following an extended post-World Cup holiday, so is unlikely to start.
As Liverpool are unlikely to bring in Bradley Barcola or Ibrahim Mbaye before Friday's registration deadline, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo are expected to start out wide with Florian Wirtz taking up the No10 role.
Isak's return
Up front will be Alexander Isak as he makes a first return to Newcastle after his record £125million transfer last summer and is expected to get a frosty reception from the home supporters for how his move played out.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Injured: Ekitike, Bradley, Leoni, Gomez
Doubts: Endo
Time and date: 4.30pm BST on Sunday, August 23, 2026
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: St James' Park
