Andoni Iraola is expected to name a settled 4-2-3-1 for his first competitive match in charge, sticking closely to the shape he used throughout pre-season. Alisson starts in goal behind a back four of Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araujo, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez. With Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni both injured and Conor Bradley still recovering from a serious knee issue, Araujo is the preferred partner for van Dijk, offering the physical presence needed for a hostile afternoon at St James’ Park.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai form the double pivot. Alexis Mac Allister has only managed limited minutes since returning from the World Cup, while Curtis Jones is understood to be finalising a move to Inter Milan and is unlikely to feature. That leaves the Dutch-Hungarian pairing as the most reliable option to provide balance and energy against Newcastle’s midfield.
Further forward, Florian Wirtz occupies the No.10 role with Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo on either flank. Alexander Isak leads the line on his first return to Newcastle since his big-money transfer last summer. Hugo Ekitiké remains a long-term absentee with an Achilles injury, so the Swedish striker is the clear choice to spearhead the attack as Liverpool look to start the new campaign with a positive result.
