Liverpool kicks off its new Premier League campaign against Newcastle, with a potentially defining week lying ahead for Andoni Iraola's side on and off the pitch
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
When Liverpool traveled to Newcastle last season, it did so as recently crowned Premier League champions and off the back of an exciting spending spree.
Alexander Isak was about to be confirmed as moving to Anfield, and Rio Ngumoha scored a late winner. With Arne Slot's men having scored seven goals in their opening two games, all looked to be heading in the right direction. Then, things quickly unraveled.
An early visit to St James' Park this time around is the first chance to show there has been a reset, with a new head coach, Andoni Iraola, at the helm. In the next nine days, before the transfer window closes, there are several major questions that will be answered.
Alexander Isak boost
If Liverpool is to achieve anything this season, then Isak is going to have to hit the ground running — and he must sustain those levels, for that matter, not least with Hugo Ekitike sidelined through injury.
Isak's quality is not in doubt, but last season, his fitness was a problem. He arrived unfit, broke his leg, and only scored four goals in all competitions, which was far from the plan for the $169 million (£125 million) man.
This year, it has to be different, and where better to start with that than against his old side? The St James' Park crowd will be desperate for Isak to be kept out, but Liverpool could do with nothing more than the Swede getting off the mark quickly.
Liverpool forward Alexander Isak
Liverpool forward Alexander Isak(Image: (Visionhaus/Getty Images))
At least two transfers confirmed
"We will definitely sign some players," Iraola told Jamie Carragher this week. "Some deals you have to wait until the end. But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1, because it is true that we are still quite thin."
At the very least, Liverpool needs to bring in two more forward players. Bradley Barcola, as has been the case for some time, is the number one target, while moves for Yankuba Minteh have been made in recent days.
Getting only one of those deals over the line would leave Liverpool light of numbers in forwards, and overly reliant on 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who is set to start at Newcastle.
Do two transfers, and Liverpool will be much better set. Anything less than that and there will be cause for concern when Iraola's side hits the relentless schedule that comes after the September international break.
Andoni Iraola walks off the Newcastle pitch at St James' Park.
Andoni Iraola walks off the Newcastle pitch at St James' Park.(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Squad clarity
Liverpool doesn't have enough squad depth as things stand, but that is more to do with players still being at the club who are not fully trusted to play on a regular basis.
Federico Chiesa, for instance, who made clear his intention to fight for a place in the team earlier this summer, is still a long way off being able to add to his two Premier League starts in two years.
Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo are squad players in a similar position. Though they each may be required in the domestic cups, the chances of them getting much action in the stuff that matters are slim, and even getting on the bench may be a challenge.
James McConnell has loan interest, and it remains to be seen if he is allowed to depart. Jayden Danns could head out on loan too, and others are in the same position should the right opportunities present themselves.
On the pitch, Liverpool has two games this week (Newcastle and then Nottingham Forest). Off it, there is a huge amount of work to squeeze into an increasingly short period of time.