With the new Premier League season finally upon us, our Liverpool FC jury share their thoughts on the challenge ahead
Curtis Jones in action against Newcastle United
Curtis Jones in action against Newcastle United(Image: Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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The wait is almost over. Liverpool's 2026/27 Premier League season is about to get lift-off, as the Reds travel north to St. James' Park where they will face Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
Arne Slot has gone and been replaced by Spaniard Andoni Iroala. On the pitch the changes are just as significant, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all moving onto pastures new. Curtis Jones also looks to have played his last game in a Reds shirt as he edges nearer to completing a transfer to Inter.
Coming in are Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Muñoz and Ronald Araújo, while the possability of French international Bradley Barcola joining the Reds remains alive.
But how does all this leave the Liverpool faithful feeling ahead of a new campaign with a fresh-faced manager?
The ECHO's Liverpool fan jury returns for another season and gives its verdict on the Reds' chances in their opening game.
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James Noble
Advancement and alignment, within football and beyond, can represent quite the balancing act. As the Premier League returns, portions of its 88 days away have evidenced as much.
Last week’s announcement that Fenway Sports Group has agreed to sell a minority stake in Liverpool FC to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by Amit Bhatia and also including Jeff Bezos, as well as Elaine and Eduardo Saverin, comes with potential aplenty but, simultaneously and healthily, will bring scrutiny.
Andoni Iraola and his staff, meanwhile, have made a broadly encouraging start in the Anfield dugout. Pre-season has offered promise alongside signs that patience will be necessary. Víctor Muñoz and Ronald Araújo’s arrivals can each prove astute, while Jérémy Jacquet began superbly on Sunday, but further recruitment looks a must if the squad is to have the required dynamism and durability.
Onto our intriguing-looking opener this Sunday. Newcastle United may have endured a summer punctuated by notable departures, but the Magpies remain a potentially dangerous outfit. And, of course, an emotionally charged afternoon is on the cards at St. James’ Park, with tributes set to be paid to Kevin Keegan following his death last month. A legendary figure for Newcastle, for Liverpool, for football.
Anfield will pay its respects to Keegan next weekend. Someone who, pertinently, struck that unique balance – trailblazing, while exemplifying relatability and humility.
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Rhys Buchanan
I can't wait to see The Reds back in action properly this weekend, yet as the clock ticks down to kick-off on Sunday afternoon, even the most relaxed fans will be scratching their heads at the overall lack of transfer activity so far, especially considering the fast-developing news around Curtis Jones.
That being said, we do have a track record of deals being done out of the blue - just take the arrivals of Victor Muñoz and Ronald Araújo earlier in the summer. I think those behind the scenes will be confident in our first eleven and their ability to put the right results on the board in our first few fixtures.
Even in difficult circumstances, St James' Park has been a happy hunting ground for The Reds in recent years. Hopefully, we can start the season with a statement win! Up the all-new Iraola Reds!