Newcastle’s first home game of the season was always going to be a big one, but the summer-long speculation around Alexander Isak has added another layer. Liverpool’s pursuit of our star striker became the transfer story of the window, testing both Newcastle’s resolve and the patience of supporters. That makes Monday night more than just three points on offer, it is a chance to show, in front of a packed St James’ Park, that this side can go toe-to-toe with the champions on the pitch and that Newcastle United are not in the business of being bullied in the market.
Recent form
Newcastle opened their season with a 0–0 draw away to Aston Villa. On paper it looked like a cagey stalemate, but Eddie Howe’s side were the dominant force: 16 shots to Villa’s 3, 59% possession and 1.4 xG to 0.2. Anthony Gordon led the line with intensity, supported by Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton from midfield, but the lack of a natural centre-forward was telling as chances went begging.
Liverpool, meanwhile, started with fireworks. A 4–2 win at Anfield over Bournemouth underlined Arne Slot’s intent to evolve the side without sacrificing cutting edge. Hugo Ekitike made an instant impression on debut with a goal and an assist, while Mohamed Salah extended his extraordinary record of scoring on opening day to ten goals. Behind them, though, the defending champions showed vulnerability in transition and will miss the injured Jeremie Frimpong at right-back.
Team news
Newcastle are expected to stick with the 4-3-3 structure that contained Villa, with Gordon again operating as the nominal striker. The midfield three of Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton will look to build on their dominance from last weekend, while Schär and Burn anchor a defence that gave up almost nothing at Villa Park.
For Liverpool, Ryan Gravenberch is set to return to the starting line-up to provide defensive solidity in midfield. That balance will be crucial given Slot’s preference for adventurous full-backs and the absence of Frimpong. Salah and Ekitike look certain to spearhead the attack, with Florian Wirtz another creative option.
NUFC predicted line-up
Key battles
- Newcastle’s midfield trio vs Liverpool’s engine room: Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton controlled Villa; can they do the same against a Liverpool unit bolstered by Gravenberch?
- Anthony Gordon vs Liverpool’s centre-backs: Gordon’s pressing and running in behind unsettled Villa, but he must add finishing to his work rate.
- Wide areas: With Frimpong injured, Newcastle may find joy down their left, especially if Gordon or Barnes can isolate a stand-in full-back.
What’s at stake
For Newcastle, this is a chance to turn promising structure into points and show they can compete with the very best despite questions over depth in attack. For Liverpool, a statement win away from home would reinforce their title credentials and settle doubts about defensive frailties.
What did Eddie say
“This isn’t us going into the season without a recognised striker… That’s no disrespect to Will Osula… But Alex at the moment is the only striker we have with Premier League history of goals and starts.”
“I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation… It’s a lose‑lose situation, to a degree, for us.”
(On Gordon) “He’s an attacker… he’s done it for England… He’s not trying to be Alex, he’s got to be himself… I thought it was a really good performance from him… but hopefully those goals will come.”
These quotes reinforce how Howe is managing the fallout from the Isak saga—both maintaining realism and supporting the squad, while demanding accountability. It’s unsettled, but not unmanageable.
Prediction
Newcastle proved against Villa that they can control games, but without a natural striker the margins remain fine. Liverpool arrive with greater firepower but a less convincing back line. A tight contest beckons, with both sides aware that early-season points could shape the tone for the campaign.
