Monday's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Newcastle United has more drama than one could ask for this early in a league campaign.
The Alexander Isak boiling transfer saga has brought the clubs closer together throughout the summer and this match feels like it means a little more.
The Reds would like to make it two wins on the bounce to begin their title defense, but they will be without the services of Jeremie Frimpong after Arne Slot confirmed he will be out until after the international break with a hamstring issue.
Let's take a look at the Starting XI Liverpool could roll out when they make the trip to St. James Park on Monday.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo
POSSIBLE SUBS: Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha
Alisson retains his spot in net because of course he does. This is a no-brainer if he is fit.
With Frimpong out injured and Conor Bradley only just returning to light training on Thursday, I think it's likely that Gomez gets the nod here. He also won't last the full 90, which is where I think we see Endo slot in late on.
Kerkez gets another crack at starting after a topsy-turvy MD1 at Anfield. Slot will be beyond delighted to welcome back Gravenberch in front of his defense though.
The Dutchman missed the Bournemouth match following his season finale red card back in May. His presence will be huge in the midfield. However his return means either Macca or Szobo will get pushed to the bench.
I believe Mac Allister has proven himself to be indispensable and will get the nod, but the Hungarian will certainly have a chance to leave a mark on this match at some point.
The front three should be unchanged as all of them bagged a goal on opening weekend in the intense win over the Cherries.
However, Chiesa should have a role to play in this one as well around the hour mark where he should be called upon to run at a hopefully ragged Newcastle defense. Will we get a Ngumoha sighting after his great preseason?
This match could go a lot of different ways, but Liverpool should be eager to exact some revenge for the League Cup final defeat and to show Isak just why he wants to join up so badly.