Our Liverpool writers pick their XIs for the clash with Newcastle United in the Premier League
Theo Squires was appointed Liverpool FC Writer for the Liverpool ECHO in 2021, after covering EURO 2020 at Wembley as England reached their first major men's final since 1966. A senior football journalist, Theo joined the ECHO's sports team from Bolton Wanderers in 2018, having previously spent four seasons in the former Premier League side's communications team where he ran the club's website and social media channels. A regular in the Anfield press box since joining the ECHO, since being promoted to Liverpool FC Writer, Theo has reported on Jurgen Klopp's side as they won the FA Cup and League Cup at Wembley, and competed in the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. A regular on the Blood Red podcast, Theo has also conducted a number of exclusive interviews during his time with the ECHO, speaking to the likes of Roger Hunt, Nicolas Anelka, and Alberto Aquilani.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
After a long wait, Liverpool will play their second game of the Premier League season. Newcastle United are their hosts in what is likely to be a red-hot atmosphere at St James’ Park.
The Magpies will be without their on-strike striker, Alexander Isak. The Sweden international wants to join Liverpool, although Newcastle have rejected a £110 million bid from the champions.
His absence will be a boost for the Reds, although head coach Arne Slot does have some challenging decisions to make in terms of his team selection. We asked our Liverpool writers how they would line up for what is likely to be an early test of the team’s title credentials.
Paul Gorst
This game will provide an early test of the champions’ title credentials and Liverpool’s character will be called into question this evening, no doubt.
How they stand up to that will go a long way towards the result and Arne Slot and his players can expect a raucous and hostile welcome from an angry fanbase who are feeling hurt by Alexander Isak’s attempts to leave at the moment.
For Slot, there is an issue at right-back given Jeremie Frimpong is hamstrung and Conor Bradley only returned to training a few days ago. Joe Gomez hasn’t had much game time in 2025, so is there scope for Dominik Szoboszkai to begin the game there? The Reds will need his power and energy somewhere you suspect.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch returns alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. I’m going for something a box midfield with Florian Wirtz floating as a bit of a ‘false 9’. It worked a charm against Manchester City last season with Jones and Szoboszlai carried it out.
Hugo Ekitike can wait in the wings to continue his fine start to Liverpool life. Milos Kerkez just about gets the nod over the more experienced Andy Robertson.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo
Ian Doyle
The build-up may be dominated by the one player who definitely won't be involved when Liverpool visit Newcastle United this evening.
But what should Reds boss Arne Slot do with those at his disposal? There are some tricky calls to make.
Not in goal, though. That's Alisson Becker. And the centre-backs shall remain Ibrahima Konate partnering skipper Virgil van Dijk.
Milos Kerkez just about keeps his place at left-back ahead of Andy Robertson, but the big call is at right-back where Conor Bradley should step back in with Joe Gomez finishing the match in the position.
In midfield, there's another major decision. Ryan Gravenberch is back in alongside Alexis Mac Allister at the base, but in the number 10 role this might be one for Dominik Szoboszlai. Club record signing Florian Wirtz can get busy later in the second half.
Up top, Hugo Ekitike leads the line with Mohamed Salah on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Theo Squires
While much of the talk heading into Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle concerns one player who we already know will not be playing, Arne Slot has a few selection dilemmas of his own when it comes to who will start at St. James’ Park.
Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring injury has provided an unwanted headache at right-back, with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez only just back from lay-offs of their own. Neither will be able to complete 90 minutes, while the jury is out on whether they could even start.
The Monday night fixture at least gives both players additional time to get up to speed, but it would be a gamble to start either - especially when Frimpong has been ruled out until after the international break.
So do you patch one up and hope he can get through an hour, or instead bring one on in the second half to hopefully see out the game? I’m opting for the latter.
Consequently, after being namedropped as an option by Slot, I’m going for Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back. He did it in pre-season so let’s see how he gets on there in competitive action. At the very least, I’d rather him up against Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon than Wataru Endo.
Despite a challenging Premier League debut for the Reds, Milos Kerkez keeps his place at left-back while Ryan Gravenberch returns from suspension to start at number six.
Alexis Mac Allister is alongside him, as Liverpool continue to manage the Argentine carefully following his own return from injury. He can make way for a more natural right-back after the hour-mark, with Szoboszlai then freed back into midfield.
And the front four is the same as against Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth, with Hugo Ekitike leading the line against his former failed suitors. His physicality and ability when dropping deep could be vital in what is set to be a fiery encounter.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike