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The Andoni Iraola era gets underway on Sunday as Liverpool travel to Newcastle United for their Premier League season opener.
A fixture renowned for producing memorable moments—including Rio Ngumoha's dramatic 100th-minute winner at St James' Park last campaign—will provide the first real examination of the Spaniard's tenure. During his time at Bournemouth, he recorded three wins, three draws and just one defeat in seven encounters against the Magpies.
With injuries continuing to restrict his available options, Iraola's first competitive starting eleven looks largely settled. At least one of his summer arrivals will make their competitive debut from the off, though questions remain over who will line up alongside Virgil van Dijk at the center of defense.
Here's how Liverpool could set up on Tyneside.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle
GK: Alisson—Following the rapid end to summer speculation linking him with Juventus, Alisson begins his ninth straight season as Liverpool's undisputed number one. Injuries, however, have kept him to no more than 35 appearances in each of the last three seasons.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Right back proved to be a troublesome position for Liverpool last season, and Iraola will be hoping for better luck than his predecessor Arne Slot. With Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez both sidelined, Frimpong is set to start against Newcastle.
CB: Jérémy Jacquet—The 21-year-old summer recruit made his first appearance since February in last weekend's 2–0 victory over Como—and made quite the impression, even netting on his first Anfield outing. Jacquet may not complete the full ninety minutes, but is expected to start before making way for Ronald Araújo.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool need their 35-year-old captain more than ever, with Van Dijk playing a crucial role in guiding the next generation of defenders at Merseyside. Both Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni stand to benefit enormously from the Dutchman's experience.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Andy Robertson's move to Tottenham Hotspur leaves Kerkez as the undisputed starter at left back this season. The Hungarian grew into his debut campaign and will be eager to build on that momentum.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch—Following a standout 2024–25 campaign, Gravenberch's form—like that of many of his teammates—dipped last term. Iraola will need to reinvigorate the influential midfielder.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Szoboszlai had virtually sewn up Liverpool's Player of the Season award by December last year, so impressive were his displays compared to his struggling teammates. He was a rare constant during a turbulent period.
RW: Rio Ngumoha—As Liverpool continue to pursue additional attacking options, potentially including Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye and/or Yankuba Minteh, the teenage Ngumoha will be deployed on the right wing. The 17-year-old favors the left side, but tends to cause problems regardless of where he plays.
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AM: Florian Wirtz—A disappointing debut season does not mark the end of Wirtz's Liverpool chapter. The German is an undeniably talented technician and could flourish under Iraola, potentially delivering a significantly stronger campaign.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo's future at Liverpool remains somewhat unclear amid reported interest from Spurs, though sources consistently suggest the Reds have no plans to part with the Dutchman despite his underwhelming 2025–26 season.
ST: Alexander Isak—This marks Isak's first return to St James' Park since his acrimonious, record-breaking departure last summer. A wall of boos is expected to follow his every touch, but the question is whether the lanky Swede can silence the hostile crowd.