Liverpool head to Newcastle missing several of their key players.

Liverpool head to St James’ Park on Monday night for what could be one of their toughest early-season challenges.

The champions scraped past Bournemouth on the opening day but looked shaky at the back, something Arne Slot will be eager to tighten up against Newcastle.

The build-up has been overshadowed by the Alexander Isak transfer saga. The Swedish striker is pushing for a switch to Anfield and has been training separately from the Newcastle squad, ruling him out of this clash.

While that removes a major danger, Eddie Howe’s men remain formidable, especially under the lights at home.

Defensive Concerns on the Right

Liverpool’s biggest issue lies in defence. Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined until after the international break with a hamstring problem, Conor Bradley only just returned to training, and Joe Gomez is still short of full fitness. With no natural right-back fully available, Slot may be forced into a tactical gamble.

Dominik Szoboszlai, who was tested there in pre-season, could be asked to fill in, using his energy and ball progression to steady the side.

Midfield Boost

Ryan Gravenberch is back from suspension and expected to partner Alexis Mac Allister, offering more control than seen against Bournemouth. Florian Wirtz should continue in the No. 10 role, tasked with unlocking Newcastle’s defence.

Attack: Familiar Faces, Rising Expectations

The front three is likely unchanged: Mohamed Salah chasing another Premier League milestone, Hugo Ekitike leading the line after an impressive debut, and Cody Gakpo on the left. Slot will demand more consistency in attack after a mixed showing last weekend.

Newcastle’s Angle

The Magpies have few injury concerns. Joe Willock is fit again, while summer signings Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw could feature.

With Isak absent, Anthony Gordon is tipped to start centrally, supported by a strong midfield of Tonali, Joelinton, and Guimaraes.

The Decisive Area

The game could be defined by Liverpool’s right flank. Whether Slot risks Bradley or Gomez despite their rustiness, or gambles on Szoboszlai, that decision will likely determine how they cope against Gordon and Harvey Barnes.

Predicted XI

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai/Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz

, Gakpo; Ekitike

Doubts: Gomez, Bradley

Out: Frimpong