Liverpool manager Arne Slot is facing a selection dilemma ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United as he looks to balance last season’s settled squad with a host of new signings following a busy summer transfer window. With the team undergoing significant changes, some established players may have to make way, creating plenty of intrigue around the starting XI at St James’ Park.
While Newcastle themselves will field a somewhat experimental lineup due to striker shortages—Alexander Isak’s ongoing absence and no progress on potential replacements—the bigger story revolves around Liverpool. Slot confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong, who featured at right-back against Bournemouth, will miss the next two matches, forcing the manager to reconsider defensive options. With Conor Bradley still recovering and Joe Gomez facing a minor setback, Slot may once again have to rely on Wataru Endo in an unfamiliar right-back role, despite a disappointing performance there last week.
The midfield, however, offers more certainty. Ryan Gravenberch returns to strengthen Liverpool’s core alongside Alexis Mac Allister, a duo that played a pivotal role last season in both shielding the defense and launching attacks. Slot highlighted Gravenberch’s importance in countering opposition threats, recalling how his absence contributed to defensive lapses in the opening fixtures.
Up front, it seems likely that Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike will retain their positions, with Florian Wirtz again expected to operate as Liverpool’s No. 10. But this raises questions about Dominik Szoboszlai, whose role may now be compromised due to the arrival of new players and tactical adjustments. Szoboszlai has already been trialed in multiple positions—including a deeper midfield berth and even the right flank—hinting at the possibility of rotation. After starting 18 of the final 20 league matches last season, his once-secure place in the lineup could now be under threat.
Slot’s challenge this term is clear: how to integrate the summer recruits while maintaining squad harmony and consistency. The upcoming clash at St James’ Park will offer the first glimpse of Slot’s approach in action, providing an early test of whether Liverpool can seamlessly blend experience with new talent.
