United head coach Eddie Howe has options available to him on Monday night
Football content editor for Chronicle Live, Sunderland Live, Gazette Live, Leeds Live, Yorkshire Live and Hull Live. A North East native, he has been working in sports journalism since 1995. Stuart has worked on the Sunday Sun, Chronicle and the Journal since move from the Gateshead Post in 1999.
Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United
Newcastle United's Malick Thiaw
Eddie Howe will have been pleased with how his side started the Premier League season, even if there was a touch of frustration at not being able to find a winner against 10-man Aston Villa last weekend.
A point on the road is never something to be sniffed at, but things won't get easier when Liverpool come to St James' Park on Monday night.
The United head coach is again without a recognised striker with Alexander Isak unavailable and no new deals completed since the Villa Park stalemate, but he does have options to change things elsewhere.
It would be no surprise to see the same starting XI tomorrow, but here are some of the changes Howe could consider.
Aaron Ramsdale
The former Arsenal goalkeeper impressed in his only appearance so far, saving a penalty in the 2-2 pre-season draw with Espanyol. He will rival Nick Pope for a starting place this season with Howe keen for serious competition in the goalkeeping department.
Verdict: Pope got the nod against Aston Villa and performed well, looking composed throughout. It would be a major surprise if that changed against Liverpool so Ramsdale will have to wait.
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Lewis Hall
The England left-back has recovered from the foot injury which ended his season early last term and now it's a case of building up match fitness. He made two 45-minute appearances in pre-season and played the full game for United's Under-21s against Southampton last Sunday.
Verdict: He will win his place back eventually and has a huge future ahead of him. But with so many games to come, there is no need to rush him back into the team for this one.
Malick Thiaw
We're yet to see the defender in action after his move from AC Milan, but after a full pre-season with the Italian side, he's ready to go when given the chance. The problem is the form of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn . . .
Verdict: The big German is going to have to be patient. However, with the Champions League games just around the corner, rotation is going to start to play a big role and once he's in the side, he may take some shifting.
Sven Botman
Botman deserves some luck on the injury front after suffering a succession of issues after recovering from ACL surgery which had kept him out for nine months. Everyone at Newcastle wants to see the return of the player who was so vital in the 2023 Champions League qualification.
Verdict: Howe rates the Dutch defender highly, but Dan Burn's display against Aston Villa means he will have to wait a little longer before winning his place back. Given his recent injury issues, that might not be a bad thing.
Sven Botman of Newcastle United
Sven Botman(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Jacob Ramsey
There's plenty of excitement around the young midfielder who has arrived from Aston Villa with a glowing reputation. He was signed too late to make his debut against his old side last weekend, but has had a full week of training with his new team-mates.
Verdict: While a debut against Liverpool would be a dream way to start your United career, the former Villa man will probably have to make do with an appearance off the bench. But his contribution could be vital.
Jacob Murphy
The unlucky man to make way for Anthony Elanga's debut, Murphy will continue to push for a start after an excellent campaign in black-and-white. He could replace Harvey Barnes on left but it's more likely a straight battle with Elanga on the right.
Verdict: If anyone had a right to be aggrieved at missing out at Villa it was Murphy. But Elanga did enough to warrant keeping his place on Monday - with Murphy a dangerous option to bring on.