Andoni Iraola's first five Premier League games as Liverpool head coach have been set, with a challenging opener at Newcastle United on August 23, followed by home matches against Nottingham Forest and Fulham, a trip to promoted Ipswich Town, and a reunion at former club Bournemouth before the September international break. ECHO writers assess what should realistically be expected from these fixtures.
Paul Gorst: 11 Points from 15
Paul Gorst believes Iraola could not have asked for an easier introduction, but a visit to Newcastle kicks things off with a bang. A white-hot atmosphere is expected at St James' Park, with Newcastle having a point to prove after the Alexander Isak transfer saga and the Reds beating them to Victor Munoz over the summer. Gorst calls it a big early test of mental strength, which was heavily questioned last season.
After Newcastle, the Reds face three more straightforward fixtures: a first Anfield taste against Nottingham Forest, where Liverpool have not won at home in three seasons; a trip to newly-promoted Ipswich Town; and a visit from Fulham, now helmed by ex-Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa. However, a trip to Bournemouth, Iraola's former club now under Marco Rose, could be tough. The Cherries have become astute recruiters, and the aggressive approach instilled by Iraola will mean a testing examination. Gorst predicts 11 points from 15.
Ian Doyle: 9 Points from 15
Ian Doyle warns that Iraola may wonder what he has stepped into, with memories of the Isak saga still raw and Newcastle in danger of losing key players. Forest, under Oliver Glasner, have won on their last two trips to Anfield, and Glasner led Crystal Palace to three wins over Liverpool last season. Ipswich away under the lights on a Friday night looks more appealing, but there is a sense of the unknown against Arbeloa's Fulham before the Bournemouth reunion.
Doyle notes that Iraola had a tough start at Bournemouth three years ago, winning only three of his first 14 games. He expects a better return this time but warns that the loss of so much experience from the squad will be felt. A couple of defeats in those opening games is not out of the question as the new head coach tries to implement his ideas. Doyle urges supporters to strap in for a likely bumpy campaign and predicts 9 points from 15.
Richard Garnett: 11 Points from 15
Richard Garnett finds it almost impossible to determine realistic expectations after Liverpool failed to meet them under Arne Slot last season. While they won their first five league matches last campaign, he does not see that happening again. He expects a point at Newcastle, given the hostile atmosphere and the presence of pantomime villain Alexander Isak. A lunchtime kick-off against Forest, who have taken points off the Reds on their previous two visits, combined with new manager Glasner, is hardly screaming comfortable home win, but Garnett still thinks Iraola can get the job done.
He predicts a first away win at Ipswich and a home win against Fulham, but Bournemouth away is a much trickier prospect. However, if Iraola does not know how to get at least a point at the Vitality Stadium, what hope for the rest of us? Garnett concludes that the manager signed only a two-year contract, so it is in his own interests to make a decent start. He predicts 11 points from 15.
