It might only be the second weekend of the new Premier League season, but Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle United already feels loaded with narrative.
The match has all the ingredients of a high-octane clash two ambitious clubs, a hostile St James’ Park under the lights, and a simmering transfer saga that has sharpened tensions between the two sides. At the centre of it all is Alexander Isak, a player who won’t be on the pitch but whose name is likely to be on everyone’s lips.
Liverpool’s interest in the Swedish forward has been one of the defining stories of the summer. Isak, who has become Newcastle’s talisman since his move from Real Sociedad, publicly stated that promises made to him by the Magpies have not been honoured, sparking speculation about a possible exit.
The Reds have made no secret of their admiration, and their pursuit has dragged the relationship between player and club into murky waters. Newcastle, though, remain defiant, insisting they will only part with Isak for a record-breaking fee.
While he won’t feature on Monday night, the atmosphere surrounding his situation adds an extra layer of intensity to what is always a fiercely contested fixture.
For Liverpool, the saga represents more than just a potential transfer it’s another chapter in their increasingly testy encounter with the Magpies. Both teams have delivered some of the most memorable matches in Premier League history, from the 4-3 classics of the 1990s to last season’s League Cup final.
How to watch
Fans in the UK can watch live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 6.30pm BST before kick-off at 8pm BST.
The match will also be streamed via Now TV and the Sky Go app.
Team form
Newcastle, began their 2025–26 campaign with a goalless draw at Aston Villa. Playing against 10 men for the final third, Howe’s side failed to make their advantage count, leaving questions over their sharpness in attack. That will be something the Magpies look to put right on home soil.
The Reigning Champions opened their campaign with a breathless 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, recovering from an early setback but also revealing a vulnerability in defence. Slot’s men looked devastating going forward, but the manager will be wary of giving Newcastle the kind of encouragement that can whip the home crowd into a frenzy.
What the managers said
Eddie Howe:
“The first home game is always going to be electric. Under the lights, evening games are always really special for us. I have no doubt this will be a really passionate display from the home support. We need to use that – but not be reckless with it. We’ve got to concentrate and deliver our game plan, but using the energy from the crowd will be vital for us.”
Arne Slot:
“I think if you go to Newcastle you know what to expect. We played them three times last season and twice their intensity levels were above ours. In the away game, especially in the first 60 minutes, they were so, so, so intense and fully deserved to have the lead. In the League Cup final, they were more intense than us as well. So, I don’t think they need anything to add for them to be intense if they play at St. James’ Park.:
Team news and predicted line-ups
Eddie Howe will be without Alexander Isak, with the striker left out amid ongoing speculation. Yet the Magpies boss refused to close the door on the 24-year-old, hinting that a reconciliation could still be possible if he remains beyond the transfer deadline.
Elsewhere, Joe Willock could return from a calf problem, though he may only be fit enough for the bench. New signing Jacob Ramsey could be in line for his first start in midfield, while Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon are expected to provide attacking support from wide positions.
The champions head into the clash without Jeremie Frimpong, who will be sidelined until after the international break with a hamstring injury. Conor Bradley has only just returned to training, while Joe Gomez’s fitness continues to be carefully managed after playing against Bournemouth.
Arne Slot may again need to tinker with his defensive options, mindful of the intensity Newcastle will bring. His side were stretched by Bournemouth’s counter-attacks on the opening day, and ensuring stability at the back will be crucial if Liverpool are to leave St James’ Park with three points.
Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones;, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo; Ekitiké
