David Lynch Confident Liverpool Will Triumph Over Newcastle in Premier League Opener
Liverpool approaches their Premier League opener against Newcastle United with a sense of optimism, according to journalist David Lynch. He believes that under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool has what it takes to secure a victory at St James’ Park.
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During an appearance on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Lynch evaluated Liverpool’s state of readiness as the team concludes its pre-season preparations. He expressed confidence regarding their prospects in the upcoming competitive match.
When asked about Liverpool’s preparedness, Lynch noted their advantage in comparison to Newcastle.
“Probably more prepared than Newcastle, to be fair,” he stated.
Lynch shared his observations of Newcastle during pre-season, mentioning that the squad seems to be still finding its rhythm.
“They’ve got signings who are young and are going to probably take a while to settle in,” he said, while adding that Liverpool already “look like a competent football team to a degree”.
Liverpool Must Confront Second Half Concerns
However, Lynch identified a critical issue that Liverpool must address before the Sunday match.
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“I’m slightly worried about these second half drop offs,” he revealed.
This concern intensified following Liverpool’s most recent pre-season outing, as the team did not make as many substitutions as in earlier matches.
“They have to get that right at Newcastle,” Lynch remarked. “They have to be able to keep the intensity up for, you know, 75 minutes at least ideally and hopefully be in a winning position at that point.”
This intensity will be crucial in an Iraola system, which emphasizes pressing and aggressive attacking play.
Lynch noted that Liverpool possesses sufficient quality to challenge Newcastle effectively.
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He pointed out that Cody Gakpo stands out as a reliable option, even if Bradley Barcola doesn’t join the team before the game. Additionally, he expressed renewed confidence in Liverpool’s defensive lineup.
Lynch conveyed that fans are likely comfortable with either Ronald Araújo or Jeremy Jacquet starting at center back, while Jeremie Frimpong has shown promise at right back.
Liverpool Appears ‘Prepared Enough’
Midfield is an area where Lynch anticipates some inconsistency for Liverpool.
“Midfield, it is what it is,” he commented. “It’s going to be a bit up and down this season.”
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Nevertheless, Lynch remarked that Liverpool’s likely starters seem to understand what is required from them under Iraola’s direction.
“Gravenberch and Szoboszlai will start there and they’re both kind of workers and can compete as well.”
His overall assessment left him confident in Liverpool’s capacity to face the challenge ahead.
“I don’t think this is going to be a perfect team all the way through this season,” he stated. “But I also think that they’re prepared enough.”
He emphasized his belief regarding the upcoming match.
“I think this is a game that Liverpool can win and I think they’re in the shape to win it.”
Photo: IMAGO
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Newcastle May Be Vulnerable at Crucial Moment
Historically, St James’ Park has posed a tough challenge for Liverpool, a fact Lynch readily acknowledged.
“I know Liverpool won there last season, but it was an absolute hell of a game,” he remarked.
However, Lynch perceives this iteration of Newcastle as potentially less daunting than previous squads.
“You look at the team and it doesn’t look as strong as previous Newcastle teams,” he observed.
He also noted the changes within their roster and expressed hope that Liverpool could meet them when they’re most vulnerable.
“Hopefully, from a Liverpool perspective, you’re just catching them at the right time really,” Lynch added.
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“If that proves to be the case I think Liverpool are going to be able to get goals and quality on the pitch.”
He concluded with assurance: “I go there with confidence. I think that Liverpool can win.”
Lynch Predicts 3-1 Victory for Liverpool
Davis inquired whether Lynch anticipated any changes to the lineup that started Liverpool’s final significant pre-season match against Newcastle.
“Very, very hard to see anything different happening really,” he responded.
He also emphasized the importance of keeping Gakpo involved throughout the contest for continuity, particularly while Liverpool explores attacking transfers.
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“If they can keep that starting 11 together I think it’s very hard to make a case for a change in any of the positions really.”
When asked for a score prediction, Lynch expressed his belief.
“Yeah, I think Liverpool will win.”
He stated that Liverpool’s pressing strategy and offensive talent should create strong scoring opportunities, while also noting that the defense has gained his confidence over the course of pre-season.
“I think Liverpool have got the quality there to go there and get the win.”
As for the anticipated final score, Lynch predicted a 3-1 win for Liverpool.
“I think they’ll get goals in this system and I think they got the players on the pitch to get them. So yeah, hopefully they can win 3-1.”
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Ultimately, Lynch emphasized the necessity of transforming promising pre-season performances into a cohesive competitive outing. He remains optimistic that Liverpool can achieve this and commence Iraola’s first Premier League campaign with a successful three-point result at St James’ Park.
David Lynch Backs Liverpool to Beat Newcastle in Premier League Opener
Liverpool head into their Premier League opener away at Newcastle United with reasons for optimism, according to journalist David Lynch, who believes Andoni Iraola’s side are capable of starting the new campaign with a victory at St James’ Park.
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Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Lynch assessed Liverpool’s readiness following the end of pre season and offered a confident prediction for their first competitive fixture.
Asked how prepared Liverpool are, Lynch immediately compared their position favourably with Newcastle.
“Probably more prepared than Newcastle, to be fair,” he said.
Lynch explained that he had watched Newcastle during pre season and felt they were still trying to put the pieces together.
“They’ve got signings who are young and are going to probably take a while to settle in,” he said, while adding that Liverpool already “look like a competent football team to a degree”.
Liverpool Must Avoid Second Half Drop Off
There is still one issue Lynch believes Liverpool need to address before Sunday.
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“I’m slightly worried about these second half drop offs,” he admitted.
That concern increased following Liverpool’s latest pre season fixture because the team did not make as many substitutions as in some earlier games.
“They have to get that right at Newcastle,” Lynch said.
“They have to be able to keep the intensity up for, you know, 75 minutes at least ideally and hopefully be in a winning position at that point.”
That intensity will be especially significant in an Iraola system built around pressing and aggressive attacking football.
Liverpool do, however, have enough quality to trouble Newcastle.
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Lynch highlighted Cody Gakpo as a perfectly capable option even if Bradley Barcola has not arrived before the game, while also pointing towards the improved confidence surrounding Liverpool’s defence.
He said supporters would now be comfortable with either Ronald Araújo or Jeremy Jacquet starting at centre back, while Jeremie Frimpong had also provided encouragement at right back.
Liverpool Look ‘Prepared Enough’
Midfield remains an area where Lynch expects some inconsistency.
“Midfield, it is what it is,” he said. “It’s going to be a bit up and down this season.”
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Even so, Lynch believes Liverpool’s likely starters understand what Iraola requires.
“Gravenberch and Szoboszlai will start there and they’re both kind of workers and can compete as well.”
That left Lynch feeling Liverpool are sufficiently ready for the challenge.
“I don’t think this is going to be a perfect team all the way through this season,” he said. “But I also think that they’re prepared enough.”
He then made his assessment of the fixture clear.
“I think this is a game that Liverpool can win and I think they’re in the shape to win it.”
Photo: IMAGO
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Newcastle Could Be Vulnerable at the Right Time
St James’ Park has traditionally represented a difficult assignment for Liverpool, something Lynch readily acknowledged.
“I know Liverpool won there last season, but it was absolute hell of a game,” he said.
However, Lynch believes this version of Newcastle may be less formidable than previous sides.
“You look at the team and it doesn’t look as strong as previous Newcastle teams.”
He also pointed towards changes within their squad and believes Liverpool may be facing them at a useful stage of the season.
“Hopefully, from a Liverpool perspective, you’re just catching them at the right time really,” Lynch said.
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“If that proves to be the case I think Liverpool are going to be able to get goals and quality on the pitch.”
His conclusion was simple: “I go there with confidence. I think that Liverpool can win.”
Lynch Predicts 3-1 Liverpool Victory
Davis also asked whether Lynch expected the side that started Liverpool’s final major pre season fixture to remain intact for Newcastle.
“Very, very hard to see anything different happening really,” Lynch replied.
He suggested keeping Gakpo available through the fixture would provide useful continuity, particularly if Liverpool are still working on attacking transfers.
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“If they can keep that starting 11 together I think it’s very hard to make a case for a change in any of the positions really.”
When asked for a prediction, Lynch went further.
“Yeah, I think Liverpool will win.”
He believes Liverpool’s pressing structure and attacking options should create opportunities, while the defence now inspires greater confidence than it did earlier in pre season.
“I think Liverpool have got the quality there to go there and get the win.”
As for the final score, Lynch settled on 3-1 to Liverpool.
“I think they’ll get goals in this system and I think they got the players on the pitch to get them. So yeah, hopefully they can win 3-1.”
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The remaining challenge is turning encouraging pre season moments into a complete competitive performance. Lynch expects Liverpool to do exactly that, and believes Iraola’s first Premier League campaign can begin with three points at St James’ Park.
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