Liverpool could hardly have asked for a more revealing Premier League opener under Andoni Iraola.
St James’ Park rarely offers a gentle introduction. Newcastle United away usually brings noise, emotion and a degree of chaos, and Sunday has even more attached to it than usual.
Before the football takes over, both clubs will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, an iconic figure whose career is woven deeply into the histories of Liverpool and Newcastle United. It will be an emotional occasion and a fitting moment of respect before attention turns back towards the football.
Once the game begins, there are storylines everywhere.
Both clubs are in transition. Iraola has replaced Arne Slot at Liverpool, while Matthias Jaissle has succeeded Eddie Howe at Newcastle United. Alexander Isak returns to St James’ Park in Liverpool colours, while Rio Ngumoha goes back to the ground where he scored that extraordinary 90+10th minute winner last season.
There are calmer ways to start a campaign.
Iraola Must Find Balance Quickly
The early signs suggest Iraola wants Liverpool to play on the front foot.
His teams are built around aggressive pressing, winning possession high and attacking quickly before opponents can recover their defensive shape. Liverpool have the players to make that approach dangerous, particularly with Florian Wirtz operating behind Isak and runners either side.
The concern is obvious.
Pre-season has shown moments where Liverpool’s midfield has been too easy to play through. A pairing of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai offers energy, technique and progression, but Newcastle will undoubtedly test the spaces around them.
That makes control important.
Liverpool cannot allow the match to become permanently frantic because St James’ Park thrives on that sort of football. The crowd can turn a couple of tackles, a loose pass and one fast break into a five-minute spell where Newcastle suddenly look unstoppable.
Iraola needs Liverpool to attack aggressively while recognising when the game requires slowing down.
That ability could decide whether this side becomes entertaining or genuinely competitive at the top of the Premier League.
Isak Return Will Dominate Headlines
Alexander Isak’s return will inevitably dominate the build-up.
His departure from Newcastle was contentious and the reception will be hostile. Every touch will probably be booed and every missed chance celebrated.
Liverpool should use that emotion rather than fear it.
Isak has always carried himself with a calmness that makes him well suited to hostile environments. He does not appear to be a striker who becomes easily distracted by noise around him.
This also feels like the right moment for his Liverpool career to accelerate.
His first season did not reach the level many expected, with injuries and Liverpool’s wider problems limiting his impact. Iraola’s approach should suit him better. Liverpool want to play forward quickly, create transitions and get runners close to the striker.
Wirtz feeding Isak could become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous combinations if the understanding develops quickly.
Scoring at St James’ Park would be some way to begin.
Ngumoha Deserves Another Chance
Rio Ngumoha already owns one unforgettable Newcastle memory.
At 16, he scored in the tenth minute of added time last season to give Liverpool a remarkable victory after they had somehow allowed ten-man Newcastle back into the contest.
Now he returns with greater responsibility.
Liverpool are short of natural wide options and Iraola has already made it clear that he would like reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
Until they arrive, Ngumoha deserves to start.
He may be operating from the right rather than his preferred side, but his ability to attack defenders directly can still make a difference.
Liverpool should encourage him to be brave.
Young forwards will lose possession. They will make poor decisions. That is part of development. What Liverpool need from Ngumoha is the willingness to run at defenders and create uncertainty.
St James’ Park already knows the damage he can cause.
Liverpool Have Enough to Edge It
Defence provides Iraola’s biggest selection dilemma.
Alisson should start behind Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez. The final centre-back position is less straightforward.
I would select Jeremy Jacquet.
His lack of recent football is a concern, with Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley all unavailable. Ronald Araujo is another option and may be the safer choice physically, but Jacquet looks like the player Liverpool ultimately want alongside Van Dijk.
At some point that partnership has to begin.
Liverpool’s attacking options should still give them the edge.
Newcastle have gone through major upheaval and Jaissle arrived late enough for there to be genuine uncertainty around how quickly his methods will take hold.
That makes this a good time to play them.
It will still be difficult. Newcastle United will score, St James’ Park will be hostile and there will almost certainly be periods when Liverpool are forced backwards.
But I expect Iraola’s side to create enough chances.
My predicted Liverpool XI is Alisson, Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ngumoha and Isak.
Score prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool
"Iraola needs Liverpool to attack aggressively while recognising when the game requires slowing down."
Ironically, that was Slot's philosophy.
It's also worth mentioning that the players that fans were ranting did not get enough minutes last season - Chiesa, Ramsay, Jones - also dont seem high on Iraola's list. Likewise Elliot, who some wanted to be brought back from Villa.