Arne Slot might take a risk with an unexpected tactical move for Liverpool’s crucial clash against Newcastle.

Arne Slot may be forced into making an unexpected tactical decision for Liverpool’s high-stakes clash away to Newcastle on Monday night.

With emotions running high between both clubs’ supporters due to the Alexander Isak transfer saga, the Premier League champions head to St James’ Park facing a significant selection issue. Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Conor Bradley has only just returned to training from a similar setback. Joe Gomez is also short of match fitness after a disrupted pre-season and minimal game time in 2025.

Slot may need to take an unconventional approach to solve the right-back dilemma. According to Liverpool Echo reporter Paul Gorst, one possible solution could involve deploying Dominik Szoboszlai in that position — an idea trialled during pre-season.

Gorst noted: “In a slightly out-of-the-box experiment, I’d go with Szoboszlai at right-back. While not a natural in that role, he filled in there during pre-season and offers quality on the ball that could help Liverpool control the game and silence the St James’ Park crowd.”

He added that Szoboszlai’s energy and stamina could prove valuable against Newcastle’s physical midfield, while Bradley may be introduced later in the game.

It’s far from an ideal scenario for Slot so early in the season, but given the team’s injury concerns, the Hungarian midfielder could be the best available option. Though not a traditional right-back, he’s had a brief run in the role during a friendly against Stoke, meaning the move wouldn’t be entirely without precedent.

While either Bradley or Gomez would be preferred under normal circumstances, the former is likely not ready for a full match, and the latter still appears off the pace. With Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes posing a serious threat down that side, Slot’s choice at right-back could have a big impact on the outcome.

No matter what decision Slot makes, fans are expected to stand behind him — this is exactly the type of scenario he was brought in to manage.