Arne Slot makes bold right-back decision and 'unique' player returns: Liverpool's predicted XI vs Newcastle
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Liverpool are preparing for one of their toughest games of the season as they travel to Newcastle on Monday night football.
The Reds began their title defence with a win in very unconvincing circumstances, with two late strikes for Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah helping them get over the line.
Now, over a week later, Liverpool are preparing to face Newcastle at St James’ Park in what is being built up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated meetings of the season.
The whole Alexander Isak saga has certainly overshadowed the build-up to this clash, although what is guaranteed is that he will not be playing for either side in this game.
With that said, Arne Slot has a big task for choosing an XI to try and win this battle, with the Dutchman forced into making some changes that could have a huge impact on the game.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool’s backline was the most concerning aspect over pre-season and on the opening day, although the majority of it is expected to stay the same.
Alisson Becker will start in goal, and despite a tough Anfield debut, Milos Kerkez will likely start at left-back to try and nullify the impact of Anthony Elanga.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will likely be the centre-back pairing, again despite the latter having a very poor game by his standards, while the right-back is where Slot could go bold.
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After confirming that Jeremie Frimpong will be out until after the International break due to a hamstring injury, Liverpool are very short of right-back options.
With Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez still not fully fit, it would be a big risk to throw them into a game of such high intensity, suggesting it is best they start on the bench at most.
So, with that said, Dominik Szoboszlai could start at right-back, just like he did during pre-season fixtures, in a bold move that could be very risky.
Szoboszlai’s energy is needed in midfield, but due to injuries, having him at full-back might be the only way to fit him into the team.
The middle of the park will also very likely see a change, with the ‘unique’ Ryan Gravenberch expected to slot straight back into his holding midfield role after missing the opening game through suspension.
The Dutchman was a huge miss against Bournemouth and he will have likely made them much more resolute, something Reds fans will be hoping is the case against Newcastle.
READ MORE: Paul Merson gives verdict on whether he thinks Alexander Isak will be a Liverpool player by deadline day
In front of him will probably be the usuals of Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz, with both of these needing to do a real job to get the better of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
If Gomez is fit enough for a decent amount of minutes, it would be no surprise to see this change at around the hour mark, with Szoboszlai very likely to come into this midfield to add some much-needed energy in the tougher period of the game.
Despite having an excellent first game of the season, due to injuries, Cody Gakpo may feel lucky to keep his place in the team.
If he was not needed at right-back, Szoboszlai will have likely taken up the number 10 role while Wirtz could move out to the left, but as this is likely not possible, Gakpo keeps his place.
On the right will, of course be Salah – a sentence that will be said almost every week – while leading the line will be former Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike.
The Frenchman seriously impressed on his Premier League debut and Reds fans will be hoping he can do it again on one of the biggest occasions just to rub salt into their wounds.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Newcastle