Liverpool will face Newcastle on the opening day of the 2026/2027 Premier League season, marking Andoni Iraola's first competitive game as manager. The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, at St James' Park, with the transfer window remaining open until September 1. This means Iraola's starting XI on the opening weekend may not be his final lineup for the season.
Defensive Overhaul
Goalkeeper Alisson, aged 33, is expected to stay for his final season under contract before departing next summer. The back four, however, could see significant changes. French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, acquired from Rennes in January for £60 million, is set to partner captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence. Giovanni Leoni, a 19-year-old who joined from Parma last summer for £26 million, is recovering from an ACL injury and will push for a start later in the season.
At right-back, Conor Bradley, 22, is returning from a long lay-off and may be given a chance to prove himself. However, Liverpool could sign Porto's Alberto Costa for around £25 million to compete with Jeremie Frimpong. On the left flank, Milos Kerkez, who previously played under Iraola at Bournemouth, is expected to start.
Midfield Stability
Iraola has an ideal No. 6 in Ryan Gravenberch, who has been impressing at the World Cup after an off-season. The Dutchman will likely partner Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in a midfield three, with Wirtz given freedom to roam. Alexis Mac Allister, if he stays, is expected to start on the bench. Despite links to Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliott Anderson, Iraola may rely on existing personnel for continuity given the short turnaround between the World Cup and the Premier League opener.
New Attack
Up front, the duo of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak has been hampered by injuries, and Ekitike is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles. Isak, who cost £125 million, will lead the line. On the wings, Yan Diomande, signed from RB Leipzig for around £85 million, and Victor Munoz, a Spanish international already secured, will provide pace and versatility. The departure of Mohamed Salah has left a void, and both Diomande and Munoz are expected to inject energy into Liverpool's attack.
Iraola's possible XI for the opening day: Alisson; Kerkez, van Dijk, Jacquet, Costa; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Diomande, Munoz, Isak.
