Kick-off is edging closer on this boiling hot bank holiday Monday, and it’s that time of the afternoon when we assess how both sides could line up.
Liverpool are already without Jeremie Frimpong, with the summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen leaving the Reds short on fully fit right-back options, with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez only just back in training.
But how will Newcastle United line up for our opening home game of the 2025/26 season?
Here’s what we’re expecting Eddie Howe to go with and why, along with an outside shout should the boss surprise Slot with a switch to 3-5-2:
**Predicted Newcastle XI (4-3-3):** _Pope – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Gordon, Barnes._
I think Howe will stick with the same side that impressed in our 0-0 draw at Aston Villa last Saturday, as it had all the elements of a solid away win besides that final product where it mattered.
That finishing touch has to improve if we’re to see off a Liverpool side favourites to win the title once again, but they looked open defensively in that 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening day, are lacking fit right-backs and will be up against a front three full of pace and energy in Elanga, Gordon and Barnes, if that’s what Howe goes for once again.
The midfield picks itself and so may the back four, for now, with Burn and Schar man mountains at Villa, making Botman and Thiaw wait despite the belief they will be our future pairing at centre-back.
Hall is still edging his way back to match sharpness after almost six months out and will be our starting left-back soon, but Livramento is the ideal man to look after Salah, as he showed in March’s cup final.
I wouldn’t rule out a surprise switch to a 3-5-2, seeing Botman come in for Barnes, allowing an electric front two of Gordon and Elanga to hit on the break.
**Outside chance 3-5-2:** _Pope – Schar, Botman, Burn – Trippier, Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton, Livramento – Elanga, Gordon._
But, if pushed to commit, I still think Howe will favour a 4-3-3, hoping Burn and Schar will be enough to keep Ekitike quiet after the pair pocketed Watkins last weekend.
Regardless of Howe’s starting 11, our bench will be much stronger. Jacob Ramsey could be a difference maker against tiring legs late on and we’ll also have Murphy in reserve should Elanga get the nod again.
How do you see us lining up?