Liverpool’s second recreation of the Premier League season takes them to Newcastle, in what will likely be a contest dominated by mentions of Alexander Isak, even when he’s not concerned.
Arne Slot takes his facet to St James’ Park for a late kickoff on Financial institution Vacation Monday, with Eddie Howe’s striker-less Newcastle the hosts.
Liverpool have accidents to contemplate in defence following their opening day victory in opposition to Bournemouth, leaving a query mark over who ought to begin at right-back.
Right here is how Slot may line up his facet on Monday night.
Crew information
Slot is mild on specialist right-back choices for the journey to the North East, with one other harm on the again:
Liverpool’s XI vs. Newcastle
With Frimpong and Bradley sidelined with harm, Slot is to go for one among Gomez, Dominik Szoboszlai or Wataru Endo to fill in at right-back.
As Gomez missed a variety of periods in the course of the week, it appears possible that Szoboszlai is the main candidate for the beginning function with Ryan Gravenberch, in flip, to return to the midfield.
The Dutchman can then be reunited along with his accomplice of final season, Alexis Mac Allister, who remains to be working himself again to full health after lacking the beginning of pre-season.
It does run the chance of Liverpool having an undercooked midfield duo in opposition to a Newcastle facet who’re sure to take the frustrations of the group onto the pitch.
Florian Wirtz is to inject the creativity behind an unchanged ahead line of Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike – Slot’s first-choice entrance three because it stands:
- Szoboszlai to begin at right-back in in any other case unchanged defence
- Gravenberch returns from suspension alongside Mac Allister
- Ahead line unchanged
That is how Liverpool would line up:
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Alternatively, there might be an argument for holding Szoboszlai and his tireless work ethic in midfield as Slot turns to his title-winning trio in the course of the pitch.
That might, after all, end in Florian Wirtz dropping to the bench to inject high quality later in proceedings as Slot will possible not wish to lose Gakpo’s stature by enjoying the German on the left.
If Gomez is match to begin, he’s the pure match to fit in at right-back to permit midfielders to play of their recognised roles, although 90 minutes will nonetheless be past him.
There will even be a temptation to utilise Andy Robertson‘s expertise at left-back after Milos Kerkez confirmed he nonetheless has to mood a few of his enthusiasm and management his aggression.
Liverpool’s openness in defence stays the early concern and with greater than per week between video games, supporters will anticipate to see the early indicators of enchancment:
- Gomez at right-back and Robertson over Kerkez on the left
- Szoboszlai stays in midfield with Wirtz possibility from bench
- Gakpo stays on left wing
These tweaks appear to be this:
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
There are extra selections for Slot than what many will understand there to be, along with his selection at right-back to have a giant say in how his midfield shapes up.
He must think about the place Liverpool wants every participant most, however health ranges will play a giant function in dictating who can begin, and the place.
Will probably be a bodily contest, however Slot’s facet have greater than sufficient high quality to return to Merseyside with three factors and provides Newcastle one thing else to debate aside from Isak.
