Liverpool travel to St James’ Park on Monday night looking to build on their opening-day win when they face Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s team began the campaign with a lively 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, with new signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong all starting. Goals from Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah ensured every forward opened their account, underlining the Reds’ attacking firepower.
The result was encouraging, but defensive concerns remain. Bournemouth found space too easily and punished lapses at the back. Even so, Liverpool’s cutting edge going forward showed clear signs of a side ready to mount another title challenge.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool – Preview
The Alexander Isak saga dominates the build-up. The striker, valued at £150m, remains frozen out as he pushes for a move to Anfield. Without him, Newcastle drew 0-0 at Aston Villa on opening day despite playing the final half-hour against ten men. Anthony Gordon led the line, recording a matchday-high seven shots, but his finishing let him down.
That stalemate extended Newcastle’s scoreless run in the league to four games without Isak. In that stretch, Eddie Howe’s men have attempted 47 shots worth 5.57 expected goals but failed to convert (Opta). Their defence and home record remain strong, but the lack of a cutting edge is a growing concern.
Elsewhere, Liverpool started the season with a lively 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield. Goals from Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah ensured all four forwards were off the mark, highlighting the variety of attacking threats in Arne Slot’s team.
The result came with concerns at the back. The Reds conceded twice and were caught on the break too easily, exposing the same defensive gaps that hurt them at times last season.
Even so, Liverpool’s attacking record is hard to match. Under Slot, Liverpool has scored 90 goals in 39 league games, averaging 2.3 per match, the best rate for any Liverpool manager in the top flight (Opta). If they score on
Monday, they will equal their longest-ever Premier League scoring streak of 36 games, first set between 2019 and 2020. Salah remains the main danger man, with 10 goals and eight assists against Newcastle in the league.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool – Team News
Alexander Isak will not be involved as his dispute with the club continues, with Eddie Howe calling it a “lose-lose situation.” The striker remains Newcastle’s only absentee, while Joe Willock is close to a return after missing pre-season with a calf problem.
Summer signing Jacob Ramsey is available after joining from Aston Villa, but Howe may hold him back for now. That means Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes are the main options in attack, with Barnes pushing to start on the left.
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley has returned to training after missing the Community Shield and Liverpool’s Premier League opener. Arne Slot confirmed that the right-back joined the group for a short session on August 21, but he may not be ready to start. Joe Gomez is also being eased back after an Achilles issue, with his fitness carefully managed.
Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up against Bournemouth and will not return until after the international break. With both first-choice right-backs doubtful, Slot may turn to emergency cover in Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo or even Curtis Jones. The return of Ryan Gravenberch from suspension, meanwhile, gives Liverpool added depth in midfield.
Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings
Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup last season with a 2-1 win over Liverpool, but in the league, it has been a very different story. The Magpies have not beaten the Reds in the Premier League since December 2015, when an own goal from Martin Škrtel and a strike from Georginio Wijnaldum sealed a 2-0 victory.
Since then, Liverpool are unbeaten in 17 league meetings, winning 12 and drawing five. Last season brought a 2-0 win at Anfield courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, while December’s clash at St James’ Park ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Newcastle equalising in stoppage time.
Key Stats
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League games against Newcastle (12 wins, 5 draws) since December 2015.
- The Reds have scored in 21 straight away league matches – one more at St James’ Park would set a new club record.
- Mohamed Salah has 10 goals and 8 assists against Newcastle in the Premier League, setting up at least one goal in six consecutive meetings – a record in the competition.
- Salah’s next strike will take him to 188 Premier League goals, moving him outright fourth on the all-time scorers list.
- Hugo Ekitike could become the first Liverpool player since Daniel Sturridge in 2013 to score in his first three games for the club.
- Newcastle have won six of their last seven league matches at St James’ Park, losing only once in that run (to Everton).
- Jacob Murphy has delivered 10 goal contributions in his last 12 Premier League home appearances (5 goals, 5 assists).
Liverpool arrive on Tyneside full of attacking confidence and with Salah chasing more records. Ekitike’s bright start has added a new dimension to Slot’s frontline, while Newcastle face serious questions about where their goals will come from without Isak.
The Magpies can rely on home support and Howe’s organisation, but if Liverpool tighten up defensively, they will be favourites to extend their long unbeaten run in this fixture to 18 matches.
