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Liverpool resumes its Premier League campaign away to Newcastle today after an unusual 10-day gap between games.
The Reds kicked off the season with a Friday night game on gameweek one which resulted in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, and they will now bring the curtain down on gameweek two with a trip to the North East.
There are plenty of interesting subplots heading into the game — the main one being Alexander Isak's desire to quit Newcastle and move to Anfield — but that is not the only talking point surrounding the game. Here are four we have picked out . . .
Right-back choice
Slot confirmed during his pre-game press conference that Jeremie Frimpong is not available due to a hamstring problem, and Conor Bradley only returned to training toward the end of the week after picking up an injury in preseason.
It will be interesting to see whether Slot throws Bradley straight back into the team. It is perhaps more likely that Joe Gomez will get the nod, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk set to take the center-back spots in the lineup.
Gomez has plenty of experience playing at full-back, and his experience might be handy on what could be a hostile night at St. James' Park.
Febrile atmosphere expected
Liverpool and Newcastle have played some of the most memorable games in Premier League history, including last season's 3-3 draw at St. James' Park.
The two sets of fans are among the most passionate in the country, so the atmosphere when these two teams play each other is always excellent, and on this occasion there is the added subplot of Newcastle's star striker currently refusing to play for his current club because he wants to join Liverpool.
All the ingredients are there for a febrile night under the lights in the North East. If Liverpool can escape with a positive result, it will say a lot about the team's character.
Gravenberch back in
Liverpool missed Ryan Gravenberch against Bournemouth, with the midfield lacking defensive balance without the Dutchman anchoring it.
He was absent due to suspension after being sent off against Crystal Palace on the final day of last season, which was effectively a dead rubber after Liverpool wrapped up the title with four games to spare.
Thankfully for Slot, Gravenberch's absence did not result in Liverpool dropping points against Bournemouth, but it came perilously close to doing so, with an 88th-minute Federico Chiesa strike required to secure victory.
Front four selection
Slot selected an extremely offensive front four comprising Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike against Bournemouth, while the deeper-lying midfield two of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai hardly reeked of defensive stability.
While Liverpool looked brilliant going forward against Bournemouth, the team did look extremely vulnerable when out of possession, and Slot could be asking for trouble if he selects a similarly offensive line-up at Newcastle.
Eddie Howe's team is known for its intensity, both with and without the ball, and the Reds could get overrun if they are not careful — it might be wise for Slot to pack three central midfielders into the line-up instead of two.
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