Liverpool got their first win of the 2023/24 season last weekend after coming from behind to overcome Bournemouth 3-1 at Anfield.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, the encounter wasn’t without challenges for The Reds as a sluggish start proved costly before Alexis Mac Allister was sent off early in the second half to make for a nervy final 30 minutes.
Now attention turns to a difficult trip to the North East to take on Newcastle United, who made a blistering start to the campaign against Aston Villa before being brought down to earth by reigning Premier League champions Man City.
Newcastle v Liverpool | The Match Preview
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be wary of the threat posed by Eddie Howe’s men and will know that despite a league double over the Toon outfit last term, a trip to St James’ Park is among the most difficult early tests The Reds could face as the new-look team learns to work in unison.
Liverpool will have Mac Allister available after his dismissal was overturned in midweek, creating the possibility for the Argentine star to move into a referred more advanced role with Wataru Endo in line to make his first start.
Getting the balance right in midfield has been difficult for a prolonged period for some time now and so far this season, it has remained a weakness through which opponents have looked to exploit, a fact that is unlikely to change on the Tyne on Sunday.
Predicted XI
With Curtis Jones sidelined through injury, the strength in depth in midfield has suffered despite both Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago edging closer to their returns.
Klopp still has big decisions to make regarding the frontline as outside of Mohamed Salah – for whom it has been a week filled with Saudi Arabia speculation – there remains a fluid possibility of selecting any two of four potential attacking options.
Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have been given the nod alongside the Egyptian in the opening two fixtures, however, with a strengthened midfield in behind, Cody Gakpo could be in line to return to his natural attacking role whilst Darwin Nunez will also be gunning for a start.
The back five had more or less picked itself for Liverpool, with the backup options strong enough to provide suitable bench options, but none of whom are truly pushing to break into the strongest lineup, however, with the boss describing Ibou Konate as a ‘doubt’ in his press conference, Joel Matip or Joe Gomez will be called upon.
My XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz Cody Gakpo.
Klopp Rules Out Salah Sale & Confirms Konate Injury | Newcastle v Liverpool | LFC Press Conference
Redmen Reacts
Make no mistake this is a huge test of Liverpool’s credentials and although there remains the distinct possibility another incoming will happen before the transfer deadline passes, this is more or less the squad and system that will forge the way this term.
Victory on the Tyne would add a whole new positivity to the confidence around what is achievable for Klopp’s side and coupled with an impressive performance, The Reds can provide a serious statement of intent here.
If that is indeed to be the case, the unrivalled firepower of Liverpool’s attack will need to be on song.
