The campaign kicks off this afternoon with Liverpool travelling to Newcastle United for their opening Premier League fixture of the new season, marking the end of what has felt like a lengthy close-season period.
For Andoni Iraola, the Basque countryman who succeeded the dismissed Arne Slot at the end of last term, this encounter represents his inaugural competitive match in the Liverpool dugout.
Tributes to Kevin Keegan, a figure celebrated by both clubs, are scheduled for the St James’ Park occasion, ensuring an emotionally charged atmosphere.
Our ECHO journalists assess how the Merseyside outfit should approach this penultimate pre-season contest…
Paul Gorst
Once the right-wing situation is addressed, Liverpool’s strongest starting eleven appears formidable. The real question centres on squad depth once the transfer window shuts.
For this particular fixture, the primary selection dilemma involves choosing between the untested Jeremy Jacquet, whose last competitive appearance came in February, or the resolute Ronald Araujo.
The latter gets the nod from this writer. His know-how and defensive orientation will prove invaluable at the cauldron of St James’ Park. The Uruguay international prioritises tackling and asks questions later, which will prove essential.
In the middle of the park, Alexis Mac Allister finds himself the odd one out while Rio Ngumoha occupies the right flank.
Selected side (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Ian Doyle
Precisely four decades have elapsed since Liverpool last commenced their season at Newcastle United, when they held the championship and secured a 2-0 win.
Paul Gascoigne and Peter Beardsley represented Newcastle that day. The challenge facing incoming Reds manager Andoni Iraola concerns how he approaches team selection for his first official match.
Genuinely, with Liverpool releasing players at a concerning rate throughout the summer, once fitness concerns are factored in, selection decisions are actually quite limited.
One area requiring attention is Virgil van Dijk’s central defensive partner. Jeremy Jacquet performed admirably versus Como recently but Ronald Araujo’s experience and superior match sharpness earn him the position, with Alisson Becker between the posts, Milos Kerkez at left-back and Jeremie Frimpong on the right.
The midfield practically selects itself with Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai anchoring the setup and Florian Wirtz operating as the attacking midfielder. Up front, Cody Gakpo features on the left with Alexander Isak through the middle, leaving the right-wing spot to Rio Ngumoha, who emerged as the hero of this fixture last season.
Selected side (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Araujo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Theo Squires
Andoni Iraola faces relatively straightforward selection choices for Liverpool’s Premier League curtain-raiser at Newcastle United. Fitness issues and a subdued transfer period thus far ensure this remains the case.
Alexander Isak leads the forward line against his previous club in what promises to be a heated reunion at St James’ Park. Florian Wirtz occupies the number ten role, supported by Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha on either flank, with the England international preferred on the right given Liverpool’s failure to secure an alternative to Mohamed Salah.
Alexis Mac Allister must settle for a substitutes’ bench role following his late return to pre-season after his World Cup involvement. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai round out the midfield unit.
Jeremy Jacquet edges out Ronald Araujo to make his debut alongside Virgil van Dijk after an eye-catching display against Como at the weekend. Both centre-backs remain behind in their preparations, though at least the Frenchman possesses superior English comprehension to ease his integration as Liverpool prepare to deploy a fresh pairing at the heart of their rearguard.
Selected side (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Mark Jones
After considerable discussion regarding arrivals and departures, Andoni Iraola approaches his first competitive Liverpool fixture with relatively few selection headaches.
Despite earlier speculation suggesting Alisson Becker would depart before commencing his ninth campaign as the club’s primary goalkeeper, he will guard the goal at St James’ Park. Three of the back four – Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez – also appear certain starters.
Jeremy Jacquet should be preferred over Ronald Araujo following his forty-five minutes against Como that have already acquired legendary status among supporters. Behind him, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai can establish a midfield partnership likely to feature prominently this season.
Cody Gakpo simply cannot be omitted given the current attacking resources, so he starts on the left flank. Rio Ngumoha occupies the right side with Florian Wirtz operating behind Alexander Isak, who can expect a warm Geordie reception upon returning to his former club.