Andoni Iraola’s reign as Liverpool head coach begins in earnest this afternoon as he takes cost of the Reds in a aggressive fixture for the primary time, with the Merseysiders starting their thirty fifth Premier League season away to Newcastle.
It’ll be an emotional event at St James’ Park as each units of followers pay tribute to the late, nice Kevin Keegan – a legendary determine at these two golf equipment – who died 34 days in the past.
Iraola has been employed to mastermind a revival at Anfield after the distress of the 2025/26 marketing campaign, though a mix of fine and unhealthy ends in pre-season and a quiet summer season switch window makes it onerous to get a learn on the place precisely Liverpool are at proper now.
As we speak’s opponents are additionally underneath new administration in Matthias Jaissle and have misplaced a few of their standout gamers from final season (Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes), so an air of uncertainty hangs over each groups going into this fixture.
Liverpool beginning XI to face Newcastle
Iraola has named his first beginning XI for a aggressive fixture as Liverpool head coach.
Alisson Becker begins his ninth season with the Reds because the beginning goalkeeper, with the similiarly skilled Virgil van Dijk partnered by summer season arrival Jeremy Jacquet at centre-back. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez occupy the full-back positions.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch begin in midfield, with Florian Wirtz within the quantity 10 position. Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha are on the flanks, with the latter again on the website of his fairytale Premier League debut, by which he scored a A centesimal-minute winner this time final yr.
Additionally again at St James’ Park is Alexander Isak for his first return to the venue since his tempestuous switch from Newcastle 12 months in the past. Little doubt the Swedish marksman will probably be subjected to a reasonably hostile reception on Tyneside as we speak.
Alexis Mac Allister is among the many substitutes, alongside summer season signings Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo. The bench additionally consists of younger abilities in Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell.
You possibly can view the Liverpool beginning XI and substitutes under, by way of @LFC on X:
The Reds to tackle Newcastle in our season opener ✊ #NEWLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 23, 2026
