Andoni Iraola has two big decisions to make as he names his first starting lineup in a competitive game at Liverpool – including who starts at centre-back.
The Reds head to St James’ Park on Sunday for the official start of Iraola’s reign: a 4.30pm kickoff against a work-in-progress Newcastle.
Despite a productive pre-season, Liverpool are still not completely prepared for the new campaign themselves, with at least two new signings targeted before the September 1 deadline.
But Iraola has a strong squad to select from, and though the majority of his XI is straightforward, it is harder to predict in two key areas.
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Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Alexis Mac Allister all fit having made first pre-season starts
Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez among long-term absentees
Predicted Liverpool XI vs. Newcastle: Jacquet start likely
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet in the line-up a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet in the line-up a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is likely that the side to line up against Newcastle will be almost exactly the same as that which started the final pre-season friendly against Como.
That would see Alisson start behind a back four of Milos Kerkez, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk and Jeremie Frimpong.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch should start in the deeper midfield roles behind Florian Wirtz as the No. 10.
Despite links with Tottenham, Cody Gakpo is likely to take up duties on the left, with Rio Ngumoha on the right and Alexander Isak up front.
Liverpool would therefore set up like this:
Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
However, there are two uncertainties in that setup: Van Dijk’s centre-back partner and Iraola’s right winger.
In theory, after his outstanding unofficial debut against Como, Jacquet would be a no-brainer starter at centre-back.
But that was the 21-year-old’s first game in six months and he was only afforded 45 minutes on the pitch, and it is possible that the high-profile experience and proven fitness of Ronald Araujo is preferred.
Meanwhile, with Victor Munoz continuing his integration with appearances in both of last weekend’s friendlies, he could get the nod over Ngumoha on the right.
That would leave the following XI:
Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Munoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
There could be a temptation to start Araujo at right-back, Trey Nyoni in midfield or even drop Gakpo to the bench to unleash both Ngumoha and Munoz on the wings.
But all signs point to a fairly stable setup from Iraola in what will be a big test of his acumen after leaving Bournemouth for Liverpool.
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Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v Como 1907
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Tour of Anfield
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, August 20, 2025: The FA Premier League trophy on display for visitors to be photographed alongside as part of the stadium tour at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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