Liverpool confidence grows after season opener

Liverpool face Newcastle in the Premier League as Arne Slot weighs midfield and forward selections

Slot weighs Mac Allister role as Liverpool reshapes midfield

Liverpool opened the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, with Ekitike and Gakpo on target and Chiesa and Salah sealing the late goals. The result gives Arne Slot a quick test as Liverpool head to Newcastle and the squad balance comes under scrutiny with Alexis Mac Allister building match sharpness.

Gomez returned as a substitute to boost centre back depth behind van Dijk and Konate. Leoni, the 18 year old signing from Parma, becomes eligible next week while Guehi remains a transfer target. In defence Kerkez faces Robertson for the left back spot as Frimpong recovers. Alisson Becker remains the undisputed number one goalkeeper. Gravenberch will return after a one game ban, with Szoboszlai Endo and Jones all in the mix in midfield. In attack Chiesa looks like a strong candidate for the number nine role with Gakpo on the left and Salah on the right, while Wirtz could fill multiple forward roles. Nyoni provides another engine room option as Slot tests his balance.

The midfield of Liverpool remains crowded but unsettled, forcing Slot into early decisions that could shape the season. Gravenberch's return will be watched alongside Mac Allister who is catching up on match rhythm, while Szoboszlai Endo and Jones offer different tempos and traits. The addition of Chiesa as a nine option introduces a tactical wrinkle that could redefine how the attack functions behind Salah and Gakpo.

Beyond the lineup, the club faces a broader test of its strategy. Will Slot lean on youth and build for the future or press for immediate consistency to defend the title? The ongoing pursuit of Guehi and the emerging Leoni signal a plan to mix proven league players with academy prospects. The next fixtures will reveal how quickly depth translates into regular performances.

Highlights

The season will reveal how quickly depth translates into routine performances