NEWCASTLE UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL
| Sunday, August 23rd |
Premier League | St. James Park
4:30PM BST/11:30AM EST
We are finally here. The official start of the Andoni Iraola era. What is it going to look like? We got a taste of it during preseason, but we all know that only so much can be gleaned from those friendlies.
Expect some big feelings inside of St. James Park on Sunday. Not only is it the inaugural match of the season, but supporters will be honoring the passing of Kevin Keegan, who is a legend at both clubs. This will also
be Alexander Isak’s first return to this former stomping grounds since he forced his move to Anfield last summer.
Hugo Ekitike is still out with his knee injury, as expected. Joe Gomez, who can never, never catch a break, is once again out. Battling for his place beside Virgil van Dijk will be loanee Ronald Araujo and new signing Jérémy Jacquet.
Liverpool and Andoni Iraola have fared pretty well against Newcastle over the years, and the matches are often high scoring affairs, including the 3-2 Liverpool victory in this same fixture last season. Iraola also has a great track record against the Magpies, having never lost to them in the top flight in six matches (three wins, three draws).
It’s will be tough knowing that the Reds will have to get by without Mohamed Salah’s customary season opener goal to help them through.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Aside from Ekitike and Gomez, Liverpool will also be without Conor Bradley and poor Giovanni Leoni. Without Ekitike, young Rio Ngumoha will continue his ascent and get the start up front alongside Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz. Alexis Mac Allister has only just returned to his post after competing in the World Cup final.
I’m putting my money on Araujo starting over Jacquet, but that’s just instinct. It could very well be the other way around.
For Newcastle, new manager Matthias Jaissle will be without Brazilian Joelinton and Tino Livramento.
The Managers Have Their Say
Andoni Iraola: “Especially at home, the atmosphere in St. James’ Park is going to be strong. We know it’s not an easy game to start the season. So, we have to be ready for that start, for that level of players and I think we are preparing for this, yes.”
Other Manager: “At home, everything is possible.”
The Officials
Referee: Stuart Attwell. Assistants: Constantine Hatzidakis, Lee Betts. Fourth official: Tony Harrington. VAR: James Bell. Assistant VAR: Edward Smart.
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