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Predicted Liverpool XI vs Newcastle United

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Image Credits: Imago Images

Liverpool head into their second Premier League game of the season with a few problems to solve.

The Reds began the campaign with a dramatic win over Bournemouth at Anfield, showing their attacking strength but also exposing a few concerns.



Now they travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle, a tough early test away from home.



The big talking point surrounds the right-back position.

Jeremie Frimpong, who joined in the summer, went off injured against Bournemouth and has been ruled out with a sore hamstring.

That leaves manager Arne Slot with an important decision to make.

The defending champions need stability at the back, especially against a Newcastle side known for physicality in midfield and energy out wide.

Arne Slot explained his options to the media.

“Joe Gomez is definitely one of them, but for him to play already 20 minutes, that was already quite a lot,” he said after the Bournemouth game.

Gomez had only just returned from a long spell out and his match fitness is in question.

Slot added, “I wouldn’t say he had a setback but he wasn’t able to train three days in a row completely with the team.”

“Which is completely normal if you’re out for so long and all of a sudden the manager needs you for 20 minutes.”

“But he is training with the team, so let’s see where he is on Monday, if he can be involved in the team or if he can even start.”

With Conor Bradley also short of match sharpness, Slot admitted he could be forced to push someone out of position.

He said, “So, there are other options we can explore.”

One of those is Wataru Endo, with Dominik Szoboszlai also mentioned but likely needed further forward.

The predicted lineup is: Alisson, Endo, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Gravenberch, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Read more: Milos Kerkez officially joins Liverpool

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