How Liverpool should line up for Newcastle opener: New signing debuts, bold midfield call and Isak return | OneFootball

Isak set for frosty reception on first return to St James’ Park after £125m transfer

Due to injuries and the fixture scheduling, Isak still has not faced his former club since sealing leaving for a record £125million transfer last summer.

In fact, the Swede was a Newcastle player when the sides met at St James’ Park last August as Rio Ngumoha scored a late winner for Liverpool after the hosts had fought back from 2-0 down with ten-men.

Then for the reverse fixture at Anfield - a 4-1 win for the Reds - Isak watched on from the sidelines as he was recovering from a broken leg sustained prior to Christmas against Tottenham.

There is not expected to be any love-lost between Isak and the St James’ Park faithful, especially after going on strike to force through his move.

Once idolised by the Newcastle supporters, the 26-year-old returns to the North East for the first time cast in the role of the pantomime villain seeking to get the Iraola Liverpool era off to a positive start.

Isak is set to be backed up by a midfield three of Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz and most likely Cody Gakpo, assuming Bradley Barcola - or any other winger - is not signed before the game.

In central midfield is where things get interesting. Alexis Mac Allister is way short of fitness having had an extended post-World Cup break, while Curtis Jones has been linked with a move to Inter Milan.

That would leave Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch doing battle to start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai. The youngster has really caught the eye in pre-season and it would be a big show of faith if he got the nod over the more experienced option.

A regular feature of Iraola’s Bournemouth teams were the attacking full-backs and he has inherited two at Liverpool with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, reuniting with the latter this summer.

A debut in defence, partnering captain Virgil van Dijk, is a guarantee with loan signing Ronald Araujo getting the nod of Jeremy Jacquet as a physical battle is expected on Tyneside.