Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Latest Team News and My View
There'll not be many trickier fixtures than this...
There are Premier League fixtures that carry a bit more bite than others, and then there’s a Monday night away at St. James’ Park. This clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool has been hyped up to the absolute maximum over recent weeks. It feels like everything has been poured into this tie to make it as difficult as possible for the visiting champions.
Liverpool have begun their title defence with purpose under Arne Slot, yet this fixture might be the hardest they’ll face all season. Not because Newcastle are the best team they’ll come up against, but because of the level of hostility and intensity surrounding this match.
And that’s exactly why I believe three points here would be monumental.
St. James’ Park Will Be Ferocious — But Liverpool Know How to Handle It
There’s no doubt about it — the St. James’ crowd will be rampant. They’ve been sent into a frenzy because of the saga surrounding Alexander Isak. Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle’s star striker has created a sense of siege on Tyneside, and that atmosphere will be aimed at Arne Slot’s men.
But hostility doesn’t win matches, quality does. And Liverpool have that in abundance. They’re the Premier League champions. They’ve got World Cup winners, Champions League winners, experienced players who’ve been there and done it in hostile atmospheres.
Slot has installed a level of calmness to this side. If his side ride out the inevitable early storm, they’ll take control. The first 20 minutes will be mayhem, and if Liverpool can come through that unscathed, their composure and quality could take over.
Liverpool Team News
Arne Slot has issues at right-back. Conor Bradley has returned to training but is not yet fully fit, while Joe Gomez is struggling for minutes and Jeremie Frimpong is ruled out until after the international break. There is even talk that Curtis Jones, or Dominik Szoboszlai, could fill in at full-back. The midfield looks set to include Ryan Gravenberch, returning from suspension, and Alexis Mac Allister, who has been easing back to full fitness. Florian Wirtz is likely to be given another chance to impose his creative influence.
In attack, Hugo Ekitike will likely lead the line, flanked by Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Graveneberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo
Bench: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Bradley, Robertson, Endo, Jones, Elliott, Chiesa, Ngumoha
Newcastle Team News
Newcastle, meanwhile, will be without Alexander Isak. Eddie Howe has confirmed the striker won’t play, and that’s a huge blow. Without him, Newcastle lack a focal point and have been forced to play a trio of wingers in their forward line, including Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga.
Their midfield remains their strongest area. Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are physically imposing and technically sharp and have proved to be a handful against the Reds in the past.
New signing Jacob Ramsey will also be in the squad after a £40m move from Aston Villa.
Predicted Newcastle United XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Gordon, Elanga
Bench: Ramsdale, Thiaw, Botman, Krafth, Hall, Miley, Ramsey, Murphy, Osula
Liverpool Must Ignore the Noise
This fixture has been loaded with narrative thanks to the ongoing transfer drama. Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak has caused anger among Newcastle supporters and tension within the club, whilst Hugo Ekitike’s £69m move to Anfield has only further enraged the Geordies. It’s no secret that Isak wants the move, and although the match won’t decide the transfer, it certainly feels symbolic. Whoever wins gets to puff their chest out and claim a moral victory.
Liverpool must ignore all of that though. Let Newcastle be emotional. Let them burn energy trying to prove a point. Slot’s job is to ensure Liverpool stay level-headed and execute the plan.
The emotional weight is all on Newcastle. Their fans feel betrayed, their team lacks a striker, and they’ve had to read statements all week that only confirm their star player has one eye on Merseyside. Liverpool, by contrast, have nothing to prove. They’ve won the league, and they’re simply looking to retain it.
Areas That Could Decide the Match
Midfield Battle
Newcastle's midfield trio are one of the best in the league. But Liverpool's is no slouch either. Mac Allister brings intelligence, Gravenberch adds steel, and Wirtz has that spark of genius. If Liverpool win the midfield battle, they’ll dominate possession and blunt Newcastle’s aggression.
Right-back Conundrum
Liverpool’s weak spot might be the right side of defence. With no fit natural right-back, it’s possible that Szoboszlai or even Curtis Jones will fill in. This could open a door for Anthony Elanga, who thrives in one-on-one scenarios. It’s vital that whoever plays there stays disciplined and supported by the midfield.
Set Pieces and Transitions
St. James' is no place for silly mistakes. Liverpool must avoid giving away cheap fouls, especially around the box. Newcastle will throw bodies into the box and look to make it scrappy. Dan Burn’s opener in the Carabao Cup final back in March can be a huge reminder of that. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s threat on the break, particularly with Salah, could be key. If they get it right, it’s easy to imagine them carving Newcastle open.
My View: Three Points Here Will Be Among the Most Valuable All Season
Liverpool will not face many trickier Premier League fixtures than this. St. James’ Park is a cauldron. But that fury is a double-edged sword. It can inspire, or it can boil over.
I believe Liverpool’s class will shine through.
They know how to handle chaos. They’ve played in some of the biggest stadiums in the world, under pressure far greater than this. While Newcastle puff their chests and swing, Liverpool will pick their punches in their usual ruthless fashion.
Come away from this with three points and the message is loud and clear: the champions are here to stay.
Final Prediction:
Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool
Goals: Gordon, Ekitike and Salah