Newcastle vs Liverpool Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Always an eagerly anticipated Premier League fixture, defending champions Liverpool travel to St James' Park to take on a Newcastle side who still cannot call upon the services of Alexander Isak.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Fubo
Newcastle preview: Isak drama rolls on
Newcastle took a point from their Premier League opener after playing out a goalless draw away to Aston Villa last Saturday, with summer signing Anthony Elanga a particular bright spark for the Magpies.
The ongoing saga around wantaway star Alexander Isak continues to dominate the headlines, with the Swedish striker still at the club despite pushing for a move elsewhere. Monday's opponents Liverpool have been heavily linked with him, but it remains to be seen if anything gets done before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
Liverpool preview: A win but work to do
Liverpool's Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth was a mixed bag but they ultimately came away with a 4-2 victory after Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah struck late for Arne Slot's side at Anfield.
Summer arrival Hugo Ekitike once again shone for the champions, but there were certainly some defensive vulnerabilities on show that Slot will be keen to iron out.
Newcastle team news: Willock could be included
Isak will once again have no involvement in this fixture, although Eddie Howe has left the door open for him to don the Magpies jersey again. His exclusion will either mean that Anthony Gordon occupies the striker slot again, or William Osula is given a chance to lead the line.
New signing Jacob Ramsey should make the squad, as could Joe Willock after the midfielder took part in some training.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Unavailable: Isak (Personal reasons)
Questionable: Willock (Fitness)
Liverpool team news: Frimpong blow but Gravenberch returns
After completing his suspension, Ryan Gravenberch should slot straight into midfield and will offer the protection the Reds defence lacked against Bournemouth.
Jeremie Frimpong's Premier League debut lasted only an hour due to a hamstring issue and the attacking full-back will now miss a few weeks of action. Joe Gomez is likely to deputise if Conor Bradley is not deemed fit enough, although Gomez himself is not exactly up to speed himself yet.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Unavailable: Frimpong (Injured)
Questionable: Gomez (Fitness), Bradley (Fitness)
Newcastle vs Liverpool prediction
There have been some memorable Premier League fixtures between these two sides over the years, with the 3-3 draw in the equivalent game at St James' Park last season added to that list.
Liverpool scored four in the opening match of the season as their attack - summer arrivals Florian Wirtz and Ekitike included - flexed their muscles, but they didn't exactly look watertight at the back and it's clear that some of their new names will take some to adapt to Slot's system.
Newcastle might be missing their prolific striker, but they are still capable of finding the net in front of their rowdy home support. With these factors in mind, consider backing both teams to score in what has the makings of an entertaining Monday Night Football fixture.
Newcastle vs Liverpool tip: Both teams to score
