Andoni Iraola's Tough Decision for Liverpool Against Newcastle

Andoni Iraola’s first real Liverpool decision as he walks into St James’ Park on Sunday is as clear as it is brutal: who stands next to Virgil van Dijk?

The new head coach arrives on Tyneside with his centre-back options already thinned. Joe Gomez is out after picking up an injury in pre-season. Giovanni Leoni is a long-term absentee. That strips it back to two senior choices alongside the captain: Araujo or summer signing Jeremy Jacquet.

Both were given a half each in the final friendly against Como last weekend. Jacquet marked his first Anfield outing with a goal just before the break, a neat headline moment for a defender still feeling his way into the club. It was a glimpse of what he can offer. It was not, on its own, a guarantee.

Jacquet’s bigger battle has been his body. His pre-season has been stop–start, his minutes limited across the past six months after shoulder surgery at Rennes in February. That lay-off lingers over any selection call. Iraola, still learning his squad and the demands of the Premier League, may decide this is not the day to take a gamble.

Araujo, by contrast, knows what awaits. He has already felt the noise and hostility of St James’ Park, already shown he can handle one of the most unforgiving away grounds in the division. Newcastle may have endured a troubled summer, but the fixture remains a test of nerve as much as quality. That experience could tilt the decision his way.

Around that central dilemma, the rest of Liverpool’s XI almost writes itself. Alisson will start in goal. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are set to flank Van Dijk in a back five that looks settled, if not yet fully road-tested under Iraola.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch is expected to line up with Dominik Szoboszlai. Trey Nyoni did plenty to impress across pre-season, showing composure and personality, but the opening day at St James’ Park is rarely the stage for sentiment. Iraola’s first competitive selection is likely to lean on those with more senior mileage.

Curtis Jones will play no part. He has flown to Italy to finalise his move to Inter Milan, ending his involvement before the new campaign has even begun. Alexis Mac Allister, a mainstay last season, has only 54 minutes in his legs this summer after an extended post-World Cup break and is not expected to start.

Out wide, Liverpool’s plans have been shaped by the market. Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are not anticipated to arrive before Friday’s registration deadline, so Iraola will turn to what he already has. Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo are in line to start on the flanks, with Florian Wirtz handed the No10 role, the creative hub between midfield and the lone striker.

And that striker? The subplot writes itself.

Alexander Isak returns to St James’ Park for the first time since his £125million move to Liverpool last summer. It was a record transfer, a saga that left a sour taste among sections of the Newcastle support. He can expect a hostile reception, every touch weighed against the memory of how his exit unfolded.

For Iraola, that noise is background. His first Premier League game with Liverpool comes down to one central question: trust the familiarity of Araujo, or roll the dice on Jacquet’s promise? The answer will shape not just Sunday’s back line, but the tone of this new era.