Afternoon kick-off sees Liverpool begin their top-flight campaign on the road as they travel to take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
For Andoni Iraola, this marks the real beginning of his tenure.
The Spanish coach arrived at the Merseyside club in early June, and following a pre-season programme that featured a three-match American tour before two matches at Anfield, the former Cherries manager takes charge of his first competitive fixture at Newcastle this Sunday.
Eddie Howe’s successor has also overseen significant changes on Tyneside, with German coach Matthias Jaissle beginning his competitive reign after replacing the departed Englishman.
Significant changes all round, then, but can the visitors secure an opening-day victory?
Ian Doyle and Paul Gorst are stationed in the North East and will provide live coverage from the 4.30pm start.
A notable omission from the substitutes list is that both Elliott and Chiesa miss out, while Nyoni and Koumas feature among the options.
Given their pre-season displays, this may not come as a major surprise.
However, the experience and stature of the pair means questions will be asked about the selections.
Jeremy Jacquet makes his first top-flight appearance, chosen ahead of Ronald Araujo for today’s encounter.
Iraola may have been expected to opt for the more seasoned Araujo, but there is no question that Jacquet was signed with a long-term view to anchoring Liverpool’s central defensive line.
A significant occasion for the young defender.
The same applies to Alexander Isak, who was subjected to jeering upon arriving at the ground.
A huge afternoon for the Swedish international returning to his former home ground.
The Liverpool lineup has been confirmed.
Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
On the bench: Mamardashvili, Endo, Mac Allister, Tsimikas, Munoz, Araujo, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas.
Neither Chiesa nor Elliott among the substitutes. Jacquet partners Van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
The press box is filled with noise from sustained booing outside, signalling the arrival of Liverpool and specifically Alexander Isak.
The home support have not forgotten how that £125m transfer unfolded last summer.
Isak has the opportunity today to silence those who once cheered his name.
Dan Burn will not feature for Newcastle United, with reporters in the North East confirming the defender has sustained an ankle problem.
He joins influential midfielder Joelinton on the unavailable list.
Liverpool have avoided defeat in 19 consecutive Premier League meetings with today’s opponents.
That record comprises 14 victories and five stalemates for the visitors, who also face a Newcastle side unbeaten in their last nine home top-flight matches.
A 3-3 thriller occurred in December 2024, bookended by two late interventions from Darwin Nunez in 2023 and Rio Ngumoha in 2025. Both memorable moments came in August of their respective seasons.
What omens those prove to be.
The Reds are strong favourites with Bet365 for this afternoon’s encounter.
Liverpool are priced at 17/20 to begin their league campaign with three points, Newcastle at 31/10, with the draw available at 11/4.
An emotional atmosphere is anticipated as supporters from both clubs come together to honour the memory of the late Kevin Keegan.
While Liverpool followers remember the legendary figure who claimed three First Division crowns and a European Cup during his Anfield career, those connected to his first club are working to preserve his story where it started.
Scunthorpe United fans have launched a fundraising initiative to establish a lasting tribute and memorial garden in the town. Keegan found the net 18 times in 124 outings for The Iron between 1968 and 1971 before Bill Shankly secured his move to Merseyside.
The project will also provide a permanent space to commemorate former Scunthorpe players and supporters.
Tributes to Kevin Keegan will be paid prior to kick-off.
Good afternoon and welcome to St James’ Park where Liverpool’s fresh chapter officially commences.
Iraola has relatively few selection dilemmas this afternoon.
The centre-back position perhaps represents the most significant call, with a choice between Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo as both seek their first appearances in red.
Rio Ngumoha is expected to start on the right flank once more.
Official team news will arrive at 3.15pm.
Greetings.
Covering Newcastle for Liverpool’s Premier League season curtain-raiser.
Conditions are rather warm here.
Time to get underway.