Alexis Mac Allister: The games Liverpool midfielder could miss with suspension
- Argentinian midfielder sent off for challenge on Ryan Christie
- Set to miss three games but Liverpool are expected to appeal decision
- Jurgen Klopp said tackle "lacked everything for a red card"
Liverpool earned their first win of the 2022/23 Premier League season with victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, extending their dominant home record against the Cherries.
However, in a game filled with somewhat hapless mistakes and borderline officiating calls, referee Thomas Bramall elected to dismiss Reds summer signing Alexis Mac Allister when he fouled Ryan Christie on the edge of the Bournemouth box.
The Argentinian reacted with incredulity when he saw Bramall - who was taking charge of a Premier League giant for the first time in his career in just his ninth top-flight game - produce the red card and manager Jurgen Klopp was similarly disbelieving, suggesting the incident was "lacking everything for a red card".
A successful appeal would yet see former Brighton star Mac Allister reprieved, but here are the games he is expected to miss should Liverpool's protestations go unheard.
Newcastle (A)
Liverpool opened their campaign with a draw at Chelsea and face another trip to a Champions League qualification rival when they visit Newcastle at the end of August.
The Magpies produced arguably the best performance of the opening weekend when they overwhelmed Aston Villa to win 5-1 at St James' Park, with Alexander Isak scoring twice alongside efforts from Sandro Tonali, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes.
However, they were beaten by reigning champions Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium in their most recent outing, showing there is still weakness for Klopp and Liverpool to target without Mac Allister.
Aston Villa (H)
The Reds will be back at home in early September when they host Unai Emery's Aston Villa, whose previously mentioned defeat at Newcastle was the poorest start made by any Premier League team.
Centre-backs Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos all saw strikes sail past Emiliano Martinez in an uncharacteristically shaky performance from the Villans, who qualified for the Europa Conference League last season thanks in part to a strong defensive core.
Liverpool have the attacking weapons to exploit such defending if the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz are allowed the time and space to waltz around Anfield.
Wolves (A)
September's international break means Mac Allister's ban is expected to drift into the middle of that month, when the Reds travel to Wolves.
New Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil has picked up two defeats of contrasting nature - denied a penalty in stoppage time at Manchester United before being trounced at home by Brighton - since replacing Julen Lopetegui but did beat Klopp as Bournemouth boss last season.
Liverpool's clinical display against the Cherries showed they have the ruthless edge needed to win regularly, but Wolves created chance after chance in defeat to Brighton and could easily have reduced the 4-1 scoreline with some more thoughtful defending.
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