Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 3.
Newcastle United v Liverpool
Liverpool’s defensive structure has been a little chaotic in their opening two Premier League matches - and it will need to solidify when they face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
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Stretching back to last season they have been vulnerable to counter-attacks, transitions and through-balls played down the middle. Eddie Howe’s side will be well-placed to cause them problems.
The Magpies, who thrashed Aston Villa 5-1 in their last home match, have the collective drive and quality to exploit any fragilities the Reds may carry into this encounter.
As an attacking force they were simply outstanding in their last home outing.
Newcastle's attacking stats v Villa
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Goals | 5 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 3.41 |
| Shots | 17 |
| Shots on target | 13 |
| Shots in box | 14 |
Jurgen Klopp faces a selection dilemma.
Does he start Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai once again either side of Alexis Mac Allister, and play in an enterprising manner?
See: Mac Allister's red card against AFC Bournemouth overturned
Or will new signing Wataru Endo, a hardworking defensive midfielder, come into the starting XI at the expense of one of those more attack-minded players?
The call Klopp makes is sure to have a big impact on the type of match we see on Tyneside.
Early focus required
No matter who Klopp starts in this heavyweight duel, his Liverpool team must be ready for a fast start by the hosts.
Newcastle habitually begin matches at St James’ Park at a ferocious pace, playing with major attacking intent.
Memorable wins against Tottenham Hotspur last season and Villa stand out, but the Magpies are almost always strong frontrunners when they open the scoring on their own patch.
Newcastle's home record scoring first since 22/23
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| All home matches | 20 |
| Scored first | 12 |
| Won | 11 |
| Drawn | 1 |
| Lost | 0 |
| Goal difference (scored-conceded) | 33-6 |
As for Liverpool, they have conceded the opening goal too often for Klopp’s liking over the last 12 months.
Their record when trailing is not strong, especially away from Anfield, where they have lost seven of nine matches when shipping the first goal since the start of last season.
Liverpool's record conceding first since 22/23
| Stat | Total | Stat | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| All matches | 40 | All away matches | 20 |
| Conceded first | 17 | Conceded first | 9 |
| Won | 4 | Won | 1 |
| Drawn | 5 | Drawn | 1 |
| Lost | 8 | Lost | 7 |
| Goal difference (scored-conceded) | 23-30 | Goal difference (scored-conceded) | 8-19 |
Right from the off, Newcastle's midfield trio will attempt forward runs in support of their front three, so the likes of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gakpo or Endo must be prepared to sprint back towards their own goal.
If there is a weak link in their ranks and the tracking is poor, Howe’s side will exploit it to full effect.
Impressive start from Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai is adapting well to his new environment.
In possession Liverpool’s 4-3-3 regularly morphs into a 3-2-2-3 with Trent Alexander-Arnold playing centrally alongside Mac Allister.
This pushes Szoboszlai to the right of a box-shaped midfield, where he has been asked to perform both defensive and attacking duties.
The 22-year-old travels gracefully with the ball, completing three successful dribbles in the 3-1 home win over Bournemouth last Saturday.
From one of those runs he earned his side a penalty kick. The Hungarian also forced the third goal when his fierce strike was parried by 'keeper Neto, straight to Diogo Jota for a tap-in.
If Szoboszlai starts in the same position at St James’ Park, he could go head-to-head with Joelinton, providing the latter is passed fit after picking up a suspected injury against Manchester City last Saturday, with the Brazilian another midfielder who loves to fly forward.
Watching those two talents test one another with forward runs will be a point of great interest on Sunday.
Also in this series
Part 2: How Luton's direct approach can trouble Chelsea
Part 3: How Gross is stepping up to be Brighton's main midfield man
Part 4: Hamer is exactly who Sheff Utd need to disrupt Man City
