Liverpool XI vs Newcastle: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today | OneFootball

Three summer signings could make competitive Reds debuts at St James’ Park

The Reds officially begin a new era under Andoni Iraola at St James’ Park this afternoon and the biggest decision facing the Spanish tactician is who partners captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.

With Joe Gomez sidelined with an injury sustained in pre-season and Giovanni Leoni a long-term absentee, it leaves Araujo and fellow summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet as the two other senior options at Iraola’s disposal.

Both got 45 minutes under their belts in the final summer friendly against Como last weekend, with Jacquet marking his Anfield bow with a goal shortly before half-time.

However, taking into account that Jacquet struggled with fitness throughout pre-season and his overall lack of game time over the past six months having undergone shoulder surgery while still at former club Rennes in February, Iraola may adopt a cautious approach.

Araujo has the advantage of previously experiencing the St James’ Park atmosphere, proving he can be called upon for what remains one the toughest away fixtures in the Premier League - despite Newcastle’s troubles over the summer.

The rest of the Liverpool team pretty much picks itself with Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez completing the back five, while Ryan Gravenberch should start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, even though teenager Trey Nyoni impressed in pre-season.

Debut loading: Ronald Araujo could start next to Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool face Newcastle

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Alexis Mac Allister has played just 54 minutes for the Reds this summer following an extended post-World Cup holiday so is unlikely to start, while Curtis Jones has now joined Inter Milan.

As Liverpool are yet to sign either Bradley Barcola or Ibrahim Mbaye amid ongoing talks over Yankuba Minteh, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo are expected to start out wide with Florian Wirtz taking up the No10 role. Victor Munoz will hope to come off the bench for his debut.

Up front will be Alexander Isak as he makes a first return to Newcastle since his British record £125million transfer last summer. He is expected to get a frosty reception from the home supporters on Tyneside for how his move played out.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak