Liverpool kick off a new era under Andoni Iraola at St Jamesâ Park on Sunday afternoon and the biggest decision facing the Spanish tactician is who to partner captain Virgil van Dijk with in central defence.
With Joe Gomez sidelined with an injury sustained in pre-season and Giovanni Leoni a long-term absentee, it leaves Araujo and summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet as the two senior options at Iraolaâs disposal.
Both got 45 minutes under their belts in the final summer friendly against Como last weekend, with the Frenchman marking his Anfield bow with a goal shortly before half-time.
However, taking into account that Jacquet struggled with fitness throughout pre-season and an overall lack of game time over the past six months - having undergone shoulder surgery while still at former club Rennes in February - Iraola may adopt a cautious approach.
Furthermore, Araujo has the advantage of previously experiencing the St Jamesâ Park atmosphere, proving he can be called upon for what remains one the toughest away fixtures in the Premier League - despite Newcastleâs troubles over the summer.
The rest of the Liverpool team pretty much picks itself with Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez completing the back five, while Ryan Gravenberch should start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, even though Trey Nyoni impressed in pre-season.
Curtis Jones will not be involved on Sunday as he has flown to Italy to finalise his move to Inter Milan. Alexis Mac Allister has played just 54 minutes for the Reds this summer following an extended post-World Cup holiday, so is unlikely to start.
As Liverpool are unlikely to bring in Bradley Barcola or Ibrahim Mbaye before Fridayâs registration deadline, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo are expected to start out wide with Florian Wirtz taking up the No10 role.
Up front will be Alexander Isak as he makes a first return to Newcastle after his record ÂŁ125million transfer last summer and is expected to get a frosty reception from the home supporters for how his move played out.
With Joe Gomez sidelined with an injury sustained in pre-season and Giovanni Leoni a long-term absentee, it leaves Araujo and summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet as the two senior options at Iraolaâs disposal.
Both got 45 minutes under their belts in the final summer friendly against Como last weekend, with the Frenchman marking his Anfield bow with a goal shortly before half-time.
However, taking into account that Jacquet struggled with fitness throughout pre-season and an overall lack of game time over the past six months - having undergone shoulder surgery while still at former club Rennes in February - Iraola may adopt a cautious approach.
Furthermore, Araujo has the advantage of previously experiencing the St Jamesâ Park atmosphere, proving he can be called upon for what remains one the toughest away fixtures in the Premier League - despite Newcastleâs troubles over the summer.
The rest of the Liverpool team pretty much picks itself with Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez completing the back five, while Ryan Gravenberch should start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, even though Trey Nyoni impressed in pre-season.
Curtis Jones will not be involved on Sunday as he has flown to Italy to finalise his move to Inter Milan. Alexis Mac Allister has played just 54 minutes for the Reds this summer following an extended post-World Cup holiday, so is unlikely to start.
As Liverpool are unlikely to bring in Bradley Barcola or Ibrahim Mbaye before Fridayâs registration deadline, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo are expected to start out wide with Florian Wirtz taking up the No10 role.
Up front will be Alexander Isak as he makes a first return to Newcastle after his record ÂŁ125million transfer last summer and is expected to get a frosty reception from the home supporters for how his move played out.
Related Coverage
- Inside Training: Liverpool's work towards Newcastle trip continues â Liverpool FCAlexander Isak returns to Newcastle: Liverpool striker faces St James' Park reunion still waiting to reignite his career
- Liverpool FCAlexander Isak returns to Newcastle: Liverpool striker faces St James' Park reunion still waiting to reignite his career â Sky Sports
- Newcastle vs Liverpool odds suggest one kind of game at St Jamesâ Park â Yahoo Sports UKHow Newcastle are expected to line up for first 2026/27 Premier League match
- Yahoo Sports UKHow Newcastle are expected to line up for first 2026/27 Premier League match â talkSPORT
