Newcastle v Liverpool

The main pre-match news, which you might have heard about, is that Harry and Meghan (who is a big Newcastle fan, hence me mentioning them here) are seeking to relocate to the UK. This gives Meghan a problem. She can either come in as an immigrant or as an asylum seeker fleeing persecution. As an asylum seeker, she would, of course, automatically get a free house, car, mobile phone and access to unlimited welfare payments, but if her application was subsequently unsuccessful, she would be returned to France. On the other hand, as an immigrant with family ties to a British citizen, she would only need to show that she had employment in the UK and could earn at least £29k a year. This might explain why she is seeking acting jobs in the UK and has reportedly auditioned for a part in Eastenders as Pat Butcher’s long lost American granddaughter and as such (and to bring us back to the footie again) she would then also be contractually obliged to comment on TIA.

Anyway, on to the football and a tough opening fixture away to Newcastle. Both teams have undergone some dramatic changes on and off the pitch and are in the process of adapting to those changes. It will be interesting to see what starting 11 Iraola picks and the approach the team takes. Will they be cagey, as I expect, or will they try to be brave? I know what I would prefer, but perhaps prudence will be a better choice until the final squad comes together and until they become familiar with each other and learn to play as a team. I am not sure what to expect today.

Team: Alisson, Frimpong, Jacquet, VVD, Kerkez, Gravy, Bosz, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak, Ngumoha.

Kick-off 16.30 and on Sky.