Liverpool Set to Unleash Szoboszlai in Defensive Role While Gravenberch Makes Comeback Against Newcastle
Following their impressive 4–2 triumph against Bournemouth to launch the new Premier League campaign, Liverpool conclude their second matchweek with a visit to St. James' Park.
Considerable attention has been and continues to be focused on the Reds' persistent interest in Alexander Isak leading up to Monday evening's encounter, with this significant storyline creating an intriguing backdrop to the forthcoming battle in Newcastle.
Arne Slot's squad is anticipated to defend their title this season following their substantial summer investment, though the Dutch manager faces a delicate challenge in ensuring Liverpool's new signings gel together and strengthen the champions as a unit.
This represents a challenging test for the away team, who surrendered two points in the closing stages at St. James' during the previous campaign, and here's the potential starting eleven Slot might deploy.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities suggest a hectic campaign ahead for Alisson between the sticks, but the Brazilian remains among the globe's elite for good reason. He's rescued the Reds countless times before.
RB: Dominik Szoboszlai—This represents the primary positional debate for Slot, who must do without Jeremie Frimpong until the international window concludes. Conor Bradley continues his recovery process, and Joe Gomez requires careful rotation management, potentially leading to Szoboszlai featuring in an unusual position.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté struggled significantly versus Bournemouth and faces examination from Newcastle's pacey attacking line on Monday evening.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The commanding Dutch centre-back endured a questionable preseason and hardly began the new season positively, though he appeared less disastrous than Konaté. Can he restore some composure in a hostile atmosphere?
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez relished his previous trip to Tyneside, securing a 4–1 triumph with Bournemouth earlier this season. The Hungarian will encounter plenty of new signing Anthony Elanga in this fixture.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch—The midfielder's comeback proves vital for the Reds, who must neutralize what promises to be an intense battle. Gravenberch provides creativity and composure in midfield.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister—Following a fragmented preseason, Mac Allister gradually finds his rhythm. He featured as a substitute in the Community Shield before returning to the first team on opening day.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah maintained his exceptional opening day streak in the last outing, despite the Egyptian remaining relatively quiet until his late strike. He found the net twice at St. James' during the previous season.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Wirtz experienced a subdued Premier League introduction, with his impact being understated. However, that reflects his typical playing style.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo stands to lose his place in Slot's preferred formation should Liverpool secure Isak, but the Dutch winger remains determined to demonstrate his value after scoring against the Cherries.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt striker has made an excellent beginning to his Liverpool journey. Following his Community Shield goal, Ekitiké launched the Reds' title campaign by scoring first last Friday. He's an elegant player; a striker equally comfortable dropping deep or making runs beyond the defense.
