Frimpong’s recent injury adds a layer of complexity for Slot, with Newcastle ready to exploit the gaps in Liverpool’s backline. The foul markets are expectedly shot to pieces for this match, with many expecting these sides to kick lumps out of each other, but the battle between Gordon and Van Dijk stands out to me and offers a little bit of a value.

Van Dijk committed 17 fouls across his 37 Premier League appearances last season (0.46 per 90). This is not a standout record, but we can expect it to rise here seeing as he’s up against an unconventional striker in Anthony Gordon. Gordon won 71 fouls across his 28 Premier League starts last season (2.61 per 90) and will be a constant threat for Van Dijk with his speed and willingness to stretch the Liverpool backline. Notably, Gordon was fouled five times in this fixture last season.

As well as being fouled, Gordon isn't shy of getting stuck in himself. He committed two fouls against Aston Villa last weekend and averaged 0.74 fouls committed per 90 in the top flight last season.

As he’s playing in a striker role, he’ll constantly be in battles up against two centre backs that are both stronger and bigger than him, making him a solid option to watch for fouls here. It feels like he's out to prove a point at the moment, to show that he can take Alexander Isak's place as the starting striker if he is to leave or continue be frozen out from the Newcastle squad. I expect Gordon to be heavily involved on Monday night.

Liverpool’s backline has been a little unstable in the opening weeks of the season, first against Palace with Sarr and Mateta causing Van Dijk and Konate problems in the Community Shield, and then Semenyo having the Reds' defence on the ropes last time out.

Liverpool committed a notable 17 fouls in this fixture last season, with Van Dijk committing one of these. Despite Van Dijk’s modest foul average from last season, he picked up five yellow cards across his 37 Premier League appearances, with only a few players in the Liverpool squad who are available here picking up more cards than Van Dijk. He hasn't looked as assured as we're used to in the last couple of games, and Gordon's directness could cause van Dijk some problems.

Gordon seemed really up for this game in his post match interview after Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season. He’s referenced the Isak situation and looked like a player that’s going to crash into a few people on Monday evening.

Gordon only picked up two yellow cards last season but, in truth, any Newcastle player could be on the receiving end of a caution here, with a mega atmosphere expected at St James’ Park following the off field drama surrounding the club this summer. In the 23/24 season, Gordon received a notable 10 yellow cards and one, red card so he is certainly capable of high card counts. The battle between Gordon and van Dijk could be key on Monday.