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Liverpool travel to St James’ Park in one of the most highly-anticipated games of the season.

The Reds’ title defence started with a win but not in the most convincing circumstances, with their next game only going to get harder.

They travel to Newcastle on bank holiday Monday for a game under the lights, with this meeting set to be more fierce than ever given everything that has gone on with Alexander Isak this summer.

The Magpies will certainly be eager to get one over on the Reds and their fans will try everything they can to make it as difficult as possible for Arne Slot’s men, with the Dutchman needing to think very carefully about his team selection.

Liverpool were far too open against Bournemouth and this is something Newcastle would very likely capitalise on, with there being one player in particular who might be dropped to help stop this issue from happening again.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

As good as Liverpool’s new signings have been, there has been a clear emphasis on their attack, with this then suggesting the defending side of their game has been neglected.

One player who has shown his love to get forward is Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman often going around Mohamed Salah on the overlap.

However, if Liverpool continue to lose the ball in the same way they did against Bournemouth, this could be an area that Newcastle exploit, with the likes of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon likely ready to pounce.

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With that said, Slot may decide to play Joe Gomez there instead, with the Englishman able to use his experience and defensive know-how to good effect and eliminate any danger, with Jamie Carragher once labelling him as ‘outstanding’.

The 28-year-old has just returned from yet another injury and did get some minutes towards the end of the opening game, with Gomez coming on at right-back and allowing Wataru Endo to move back into midfield.

It would certainly be a risk as Liverpool would lose a lot of attacking threat, but with the likes of Salah, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike likely on the pitch, they should still create plenty of chances.

One reason why Frimpong could still start this game is because Ryan Gravenberch will be back available after suspension, with his return adding the defensive stability Liverpool are craving.

The Dutchman often goes under the radar and when he is absent, it is very noticeable, with the Bournemouth game the prime example.

The Reds got caught on the counter-attack far too often, something Gravenberch would almost always stop due to his defensive awareness.

So, with him back in the team for the game against Newcastle, Frimpong might be able to get forward with more freedom, knowing that his fellow countryman is there ready in case possession is overturned.


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