Liverpool begin a new Premier League era at St James’ Park this afternoon, with Andoni Iraola handing Jeremy Jacquet his competitive debut and backing Rio Ngumoha from the start.
Iraola has named the same XI that began last weekend’s 2-0 friendly victory over Como at Anfield, with Jacquet keeping his place alongside Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence.
Alisson starts in goal, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez completing a back four that has a very different look from the one that ended last season.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai form the midfield pairing, while Florian Wirtz starts in the No.10 role.
The biggest call comes on the right of Liverpool’s attack, where 17-year-old Ngumoha gets the nod.
Liverpool team: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Subs: Mamardashvili, Araujo, Tsimikas, Endo, McConnell, Nyoni, Mac Allister, Munoz, Koumas
Liverpool vs Newcastle United in the Premier League kicks off at 1630 BST on Sunday 23rd of August 2026
