Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign under new manager Andoni Iraola with a tough away fixture against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 local time as Liverpool look to claim all three points from their opening match of the season.
The Reds showed some positive signs in pre-season, winning their final warm-up outing against Como, but questions remain about squad depth.
Many observers are uncertain whether Liverpool possess a competitive enough squad to handle the demands of a full Premier League season with sufficient quality throughout the group.
Being tested away from home in the very first league fixture represents a serious early challenge for Iraola and his squad.
Alisson Becker is expected to start as the number one goalkeeper, keeping his place ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili for this opening fixture.
Virgil van Dijk, who has been ever-present in the heart of Liverpool’s backline over recent seasons, is set to start once again as one of their most indispensable defensive figures.
The club captain is predicted to partner alongside £60 million summer recruit Jeremy Jacquet, who could make his official competitive debut by lining up alongside van Dijk at the heart of defence.
Rio Ngumoha may be handed a nod down the right flank, while Cody Gakpo could start on the left wing despite being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Up front, Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line for Liverpool in what will be a particularly significant match for the striker as he faces his former employers at Newcastle.
The Magpies will be eager to make a strong start themselves at home, making this a fascinating opening weekend contest between two ambitious sides with genuine top-half aspirations.
Iraola takes charge of his first official Premier League match as Liverpool head coach, with the Reds’ supporters keen to see a positive statement of intent from the very beginning of the campaign.