Liverpool’s second game of the Premier League season takes them to Newcastle, in what will be a contest dominated by mentions of Alexander Isak, even if he is not involved.Arne Slot takes his side to St James’ Park for a late kickoff on Bank Holiday Monday, with Eddie Howe’s striker-less Newcastle the hosts.Liverpool have injuries to consider in defence following their opening day victory against Bournemouth, leaving a question mark over who should start at right-back.Here is how Slot could line up his side on Monday evening. Team news Slot is light on specialist right-back options for the trip to the North East, with another injury at the back:Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) sidelined until after international breakConor Bradley still training separate from teamJoe Gomez missed sessions during the week, no guarantee he can start Liverpool’s XI vs. NewcastleWith Frimpong and Bradley sidelined with injury, Slot is to opt for one of Gomez, Dominik Szoboszlai or Wataru Endo to fill in at right-back.As Gomez missed a number of sessions during the week, it seems likely that Szoboszlai is the leading candidate for the starting role with Ryan Gravenberch, in turn, to return to the midfield.The Dutchman can then be reunited with his partner of last season, Alexis Mac Allister, who is still working himself back to full fitness after missing the start of pre-season.It does run the risk of Liverpool having an undercooked midfield duo against a Newcastle side who are bound to take the frustrations of the crowd onto the pitch.Florian Wirtz is to inject the creativity behind an unchanged forward line of Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike – Slot’s first-choice front three as it stands:Szoboszlai to start at right-back in otherwise unchanged defenceGravenberch returns from suspension alongside Mac AllisterForward line unchangedThis is how Liverpool would line up:Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; EkitikeAlternatively, there could be an argument for keeping Szoboszlai and his tireless work ethic in midfield as Slot turns to his title-winning trio in the middle of the pitch.That would, of course, result in Florian Wirtz dropping to the bench to inject quality later in proceedings as Slot will likely not want to lose Gakpo’s stature by playing the German on the left.If Gomez is fit to start, he is the natural fit to slot in at right-back to allow midfielders to play in their recognised roles, though 90 minutes will still be beyond him.There will also be a temptation to utilise Andy Robertson‘s experience at left-back after Milos Kerkez showed he still has to temper some of his enthusiasm and control his aggression.Liverpool’s openness in defence remains the early concern and with more than a week between games, supporters will expect to see the early signs of improvement:Gomez at right-back and Robertson over Kerkez on the leftSzoboszlai stays in midfield with Wirtz option from benchGakpo stays on left wingThose tweaks look like this:Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; EkitikeThere are more decisions for Slot than what many will perceive there to be, with his choice at right-back to have a big say in how his midfield shapes up.He will have to consider where Liverpool needs each player most, but fitness levels will play a big role in dictating who can start, and where.It will be a physical contest, but Slot’s side have more than enough quality to return to Merseyside with three points and give Newcastle something else to discuss other than Isak.