Jurgen Klopp has struck gold with Liverpool’s summer transfer a head of Newcastle.
Liverpool won their first three points of the season last Saturday and will look to win again against Newcastle United this weekend.
As they prepare to face the Magpies again, the Reds should take heart from being the only Premier League team to double over Eddie Howe’s side last season.
After the Argentine’s red card was rescinded, Jurgen Klopp can call in Alexis Mac Allister on Sunday, boosting midfield. Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara are nearing injury returns, but Curtis Jones may miss another week owing to an ankle ailment.
Four fans wrote a weekly ECHO fan column about the Reds’ match against the Magpies.
Rhys Buchanan (city centre, @Rhys_Buchanan) No changes before Sunday.
I was thrilled to return to Anfield last weekend, reconnecting with old friends and familiar faces after a long summer and remembering routines over cold drinks in the sunshine. Before discussing how I miss the pies! Since the Reds weren’t planning to spoil the party, we could enjoy watching other good results over the round of fixtures.
Aside from the initial backshakiness, I think we showed terrific spirit to come back into the game and take many positives home. Following Mac Allister’s abrupt dismissal, Wataru Endo’s introduction was difficult, but I was quietly impressed by his courage and persistence. Other than that, Diaz is in great form and Szoboszlai is a key player this season.
I’d select the same team for Sunday’s tough away match at Newcastle, and as a realist, I’d accept a point or perhaps a repeat of last season’s massive away triumph at St James’ Park! To the Reds.
Andrew Cullen (Widnes, @brothersred5): Szoboszlai seems real.
Liverpool played confidently against Bournemouth after a tense start. Dominik Szoboszlai gave a fast, powerful performance. He appears to be Liverpool’s midfield rejuvenator. We have had functional midfielders like Henderson and Fabinho, and flair players like Thiago and Keïta, but we have lacked an athletic, powerful, box-to-box midfielder for some time.
The Cody Gakpo midfield experiment failed. Gakpo was crucial to the team’s performance last season in a more advanced role. However, in midfield this season, he has been peripheral. Gakpo may be used sparingly in the middle at Anfield when we wish to unleash more aggressive players, but as an established midfielder, he may restrict his talent.
Gakpo will be replaced by Endo against Newcastle this weekend. This change should improve our defense. Even at this early stage, we must follow the title contenders.
Beijing’s David Shams (@ShamsWriter) Liverpool is learning from last year.
Last season, Liverpool fans questioned everything. Could this be the low point after such a high? The 9-0 and 7-0 wins over Bournemouth and Manchester United gave us optimism, but we could never recreate that confidence.
Questions are constantly there. Problems solved today bring new ones tomorrow.
It’s too early in the season, but it seems like some of last season’s issues are being addressed. Last year’s courage and commitment were unmatched. Giving up an early goal against Bournemouth would have seen the team collapse and flail as they sought to get back in. Now it was different.
They grinded out a point at Stamford Bridge, something last season’s team struggled with. This bodes well for Sunday. Newcastle’s makeover has strengthened them with petrodollars. A loss won’t terminate the season, but three wins will send a message. Last season is over.
James Noble (Worcestershire, @james_noble98): Mac Allister red card reversal could be crucial on Sunday.
We won against Bournemouth on Saturday in an unconventional way, but it may be good. Liverpool rallied after being a goal down and then a player down. When needed, using hardship as a trampoline can help a season.
That process was driven by technically adept Dominik Szoboszlai. What good early indicators from Hungary. Reds still give opponents too much encouragement. There will be less space for error on Sunday.
Knowing when to gear up and cruise may be key. Alexis Mac Allister’s rhythm can help. The red card reversal on Tuesday was good. Jürgen Klopp’s team can thrive in this atmosphere with solid foundations and a willingness to adapt.
Jurgen Klopp has struck gold with Liverpool’s summer transfer a head of Newcastle.