‘Comes as a surprise’ - Inside track on Liverpool & Mark Leyland’s decision to leave for Newcastle United

How do you sum up Liverpool’s start to the campaign? Are they back to their best?

WR: “I don’t think there can be a supporter who can grumble.

“After such a long wait for a Premier League crown, last season’s defence was meek, albeit there were mitigating circumstances. Losing the three best centre-backs in Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez the main one.

“But a full pre-season, which included having van Dijk, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane around for the duration, has done Liverpool the world of good.

“They’re currently mounting a three-pronged attack on the league, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

“Don’t get me wrong, there have been some hiccups - West Ham, Brentford and Brighton particularly spring to mind - they look like they’ll be pushing Man City and Chelsea all of the way.”

Any key players to watch out for? Mo Salah etc...

WR: “Salah is indeed the one. Everyone knows the quality of him and he’s stepped his game up yet again. Twenty-one goals and nine assists in just 22 games in simply ludicrious numbers. Any striker would take that for the season.

“Not the Newcastle fans will want to hear this, but I’ve really been taken by the partnership he’s formed with Jordan Henderson. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s found himself in more central positions and often it’s Henderson who gets around the outside to the byline.

“Andy Robertson has started to hit his zenith again after some mixed performances. Those trademark lung-busting runs have come to the fore again.

“Don’t underestimate Joel Matip, either. Van Dijk gets all the plaudits but his centre-back partner has been just as good this season - maybe even better.”

Will Liverpool, in any way at all, be wary of 19th placed Newcastle United?

WR: “To win trophies, you’ve got to have humility. If Liverpool think they’re going to walk over Newcastle, it could come back to string them.

“Let’s not forget that this fixture ended a 1-1 draw last season, which threatened to derail the Reds’ late charge for a Champions League push.

“But, at the same time, title winners almost have an arrogance about them that they’ll take three points. It’s a balancing act between confidence but not being too cocky.”

What do you make of Mark Leyland’s move from Liverpool to Newcastle?

WR: “It’s come as a surprise as Jurgen Klopp’s backroom appeared settled.

“In a way, it’s a compliment to Liverpool for one of their figures to be poached and be given more responsibility elsewhere.

“Of course, Leyland will know a few things he will impart his knowledge on when it comes to Newcastle’s tactics.

“Ultimately, though, the best teams are the ones you know what they want to get but can’t be stopped.

“It’d be folly to think Eddie Howe doesn’t know exactly how Liverpool play, where their strengths are and how Newcastle could exploit the hosts.

“Carrying those out is another matter.”

How do you expect Liverpool to line up against Newcastle?

WR: “I can see a couple of changes being made from the win over Aston Villa - mainly to give a few players a rest like Thiago Alcantara and maybe even Robertson.

“Diogo Jota also should come back in to lead the line.

“Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Henderson, Keita, Salah, Jota, Mane.”

Can we push you for a score prediction?

WR: “Liverpool are a difficult beast to stop. Should they get one, it could be another long night for the Toon Army. 3-0.”