Ally McCoist reveals key weakness that makes Liverpool already suspect vs Newcastle
Liverpool are looking to make it two wins from two in the Premier League against Newcastle.
A little bit of extra bite has been added to the Monday Night Football at St James’ Park, given the striker merry-go-round over the summer.
Liverpool are still keen on signing Alexander Isak from the Geordies, but their opposition are still standing firm on their decision that he isn’t for sale.
The irony is that Eddie Howe’s side would have let him leave should Newcastle have signed Hugo Ekitike, and despite Arne Slot’s incredible attack, Ally McCoist has backed Newcastle to cause their own problems.
Newcastle can cause Liverpool issues after Jeremie Frimpong’s injury
Jeremie Frimpong picked up a knock in Liverpool’s 4-2 win against Bournemouth, which has left him out until after the international break.
Given the injury, former Liverpool target Anthony Gordon has an opportunity to cause problems for the Reds.
Jeff Stelling and McCoist, speaking on talkSPORT (9:20 am, 25 August), believe the Geordies can cause problems of their own.
“All the talk has been about Alexander Isak, people forget that Newcastle are not a one-man band, look at their players, Bruno [Guimaraes], Gordon, Dan Burn, Anthony Elanga, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, [Jacob] Murphy,” Stelling said.
Liverpool’s last five results vs Liverpool:
- March 16, 2025: Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle (EFL Cup Final)
- February 26, 2025: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
- December 4, 2024: Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool (Premier League)
- January 1, 2024: Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle (Premier League)
- August 27, 2023: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
“People forget that this is still a good Newcastle side with or without Alexander Isak.”
McCoist replied: “They’ve got enough talent in the team, honestly, middle of the park’s excellent, and when you’ve got pace up front in Elanga and Gordon, they will trouble any teams.
“One thing about Liverpool, they are a little bit suspect to losing goals, and even away from home, I suspect the front line of Newcastle to cause some serious problems.”
- Read More: A WWE star has wound up Newcastle supporters with an Alexander Isak to Liverpool-themed stunt
Who will play right-back for Liverpool?
Frimpong’s injury causes problems for Liverpool at the back.
Conor Bradley is involved with the squad following a hamstring injury, but it is unlikely that he will be rushed back for the game against Newcastle.
Joe Gomez is also a doubt for the game after picking up a knock, which will leave Slot looking elsewhere for a solution at right-back.
Therefore, Liverpool could elect to play Curtis Jones there.
The midfielder has experience playing at left back, and though he is left-footed, his defensive attributes make him an ideal candidate for the vacant right-back position.
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