Strictly Liverpool

Tag: Hugo Ekitike

Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
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.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats

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.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats

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.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats

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.
August 24, 2025
‘Totally Different Federico’ – Arne Slot Sees Expanded Role For Chiesa At Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is confident Federico Chiesa will play a bigger role for the Reds this season, describing the Italian forward as being “totally different” since returning from the summer break.

Chiesa, who missed the pre-season tour of Asia and attracted interest from Serie A clubs, made an immediate impact off the bench in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth, scoring the winning goal. Arne Slot believes that the goal reflected more than just a moment of brilliance.

“I see a totally different Federico now than through large parts of last season,” Arne Slot told reporters in his pre-Newcastle press conference on Thursday.

“Which is completely normal, because he missed out on the whole pre-season and then came into a Premier League rhythm in terms of amount of games and in terms of intensity. He’s in a much better place now.”

The Dutch manager explained that Chiesa’s renewed fitness and focus mean he could have a greater impact throughout the campaign. “If he’s more available, then he already has more chances to impact our results or his playing time,” he added.

‘Totally Different Federico’ – Arne Slot Sees Expanded Role For Chiesa At Liverpool

With the departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz this summer, Liverpool’s senior attacking options are now limited to Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and Chiesa, with 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha available in support. Slot highlighted how Chiesa’s fitness gives the Reds more tactical depth:

“When we needed a goal and I looked to the bench, I only had him and Rio. For me, although Rio did really well in pre-season, it was quite a normal choice to make to bring Chiesa in, and he delivered.”

Chiesa himself has also underlined his commitment to Liverpool after netting his first Premier League goal.

“I play wherever the coach puts me. I arrived here and had a lot of difficulty because the tempo is just so different, but after a year, I finally got my first Premier League goal. The coach gave me a chance and always had words of encouragement for me,” he explained.

“We will talk to Liverpool, but to be perfectly honest, I am happy here. I am playing for one of the best teams in the world. I just have to wait and be ready, as I was tonight, and prove that I can play for this team. I repeat, the coach has treated me very well in these months.”

With Chiesa more settled, fitter, and determined to show his quality, Arne Slot’s belief in a “totally different” Federico could prove decisive for Liverpool this season.

August 21, 2025
Crystal Palace 2-2 Liverpool(3-2 pens): Reds lose in Community Shield

Liverpool started their 2025-26 season with a tough loss, falling to Crystal Palace on penalties in the FA Community Shield at Wembley.

Despite a promising start with goals from new signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds were pegged back twice by Palace and ultimately lost in the shootout.

Crystal Palace 2-2 Liverpool: Reds lose in Community Shield

The game began brightly for Liverpool with Ekitike scoring inside four minutes after a slick pass from Wirtz. However, Palace responded quickly when Virgil van Dijk was penalised for a foul on Ismaila Sarr, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to score from the penalty spot.

Liverpool reclaimed the lead just after the 20-minute mark with Frimpong scoring a stunning cross-shot, much to the applause of fans remembering the late Diogo Jota.

Liverpool dominated possession in the first half (65%) and created more chances, with Wirtz a constant threat. Yet Palace remained dangerous, pressing for an equaliser.

The second half saw Liverpool push for a winner, but Palace’s Ismaila Sarr made it 2-2 with a powerful strike after some defensive lapses.

Despite introducing Alexis Mac Allister to inject energy, Liverpool couldn’t break through, and the match went to penalties.

In the shootout, Salah and Mac Allister missed their attempts, while Crystal Palace’s Devenny scored the decisive penalty to seal the win for Palace.

Liverpool now turns their attention to the Premier League opener with plenty to work on after a hard-fought contest against a determined Palace side.

August 10, 2025
Reports: Liverpool Eye Bradley Barcola As Isak Pursuit Stalls

Liverpool are now being linked with Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with reports in France suggesting the Reds could turn to the 22-year-old as their chase for Alexander Isak hits a dead end.

According to L’Équipe, Barcola has emerged as a serious option for Liverpool, who are still in the market for a wide forward despite already spending over £250m this summer. The French international is seen as a player with high potential, and the Reds are said to be closely monitoring his situation in Paris.

Barcola joined PSG from Lyon on August 31, 2023, for a fee of around €45m plus €5m in add-ons. Despite scoring 20 goals and providing 21 assists in 64 appearances last season, the 22-year-old remains behind Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué in Luis Enrique’s attacking plans. PSG would likely demand close to double what they paid if they choose to let him go.

Liverpool’s growing interest in Barcola comes as their move for Alexander Isak faces major obstacles. The club reportedly saw a bid worth £110m turned down by Newcastle United, who are refusing to sell unless they secure a replacement. Their top target, Benjamin Šeško, is now close to joining Manchester United, which could make an Isak deal even harder to complete.

Reports: Liverpool Eye Bradley Barcola As Isak Pursuit Stalls

Alexander Isak is now training away from Newcastle’s first team, officially due to a thigh injury. But reports from The Guardian say Eddie Howe has excluded him from team activities, including a squad barbecue, as the striker pushes for a move.

Isak had earlier been working alone in Spain and is now continuing individual sessions back at the club’s training ground

While Isak remains the priority, Liverpool are now keeping tabs on other potential attacking signings, and Barcola is not the only name under consideration. The Reds have also been linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, though talks in that case remain at an early stage.

Arne Slot has already brought in Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, but one more marquee addition could yet arrive before the transfer window closes. Barcola, who has already earned caps for the French national team, fits the profile of a young, high-upside signing that aligns with Liverpool’s long-term plans.

Whether the Reds make an official bid remains to be seen, but with Isak’s situation dragging on, attention could soon turn fully to Paris.

August 6, 2025
Florian Wirtz Explains How Arne Slot Is Helping Him At Liverpool

Florian Wirtz says Arne Slot’s system is already getting the best out of him and believes Liverpool fans will see even more once he’s fully settled.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen in a £100m deal this summer, made his Anfield debut in Monday night’s 3-2 friendly win over Athletic Club. Wirtz started in an advanced midfield role and came close to scoring twice, showing flashes of the quality that made him one of Europe’s most wanted players.

Speaking after the match, Wirtz told Liverpoolfc.com:

“I think I am a player who needs freedom on the pitch, and the manager gives it to me. Of course, I have to respect the position and the players around me, but I try to give my best on the pitch and find the right places. I have the freedom for this.”

The German international is the headline name in Liverpool’s post-title summer rebuild, with Slot’s side already spending over £265m, and more potentially to come.

Florian Wirtz Explains How Arne Slot Is Helping Him At Liverpool

He made his first appearances during the club’s tour of the Far East, scoring against Yokohama F. Marinos and featuring in the match against AC Milan. But Monday was his first time in front of the Anfield crowd, and he’s enjoying every moment of his new challenge.

“I came because I thought I could fit in this team, and I am enjoying playing with these players,” Wirtz said.

“Every time, it is getting a little bit better, so I am happy with how it is going. I’m really enjoying the first weeks.”

Wirtz also had good words for fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike, who set up a goal in the same match:

“He is a really good player. I enjoyed watching him at Frankfurt, and I was really happy that he decided to come to us. In the training sessions already, he went well and also in the game, we had some combinations that were good.”

Looking ahead to the new Premier League season, Wirtz knows the challenge will be big, but he’s ready for it.

“I have not played a match in the Premier League, but I am looking forward to it, and that is why I came. They tell me it’s more intense and more physical… That is what everybody is telling me, and I’m aware of that.”

“The big challenge is to take the title again, and it is the most difficult thing, so I try just to create chances and also work against the ball because I can also run a lot, and I will try to bring this to the team.

August 6, 2025
Arne Slot Details Why Wirtz Is Key After Losing Trent Creativity

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says Florian Wirtz will play a vital creative role this season following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.

Trent’s move to Spain earlier this summer ended a long chapter at Anfield, where he had developed into one of the most creative defenders in the Premier League. His pinpoint crosses and passing range from deep were a constant threat, and he played a vital role in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign under Arne Slot last season.

But with the academy graduate now at Madrid, Slot has turned to a different solution, and believes Wirtz is the man to fill that creative gap, albeit in a more advanced role.

“Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third. We’ve lost with Trent a lot of creativity from the back,” Slot told Liverpoolfc.com after Monday’s double-header wins over Athletic Club. “Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special – I think Flo has this quality as well in a totally different position.”

Arne Slot Details Why Wirtz Is Key After Losing Trent Creativity

Wirtz, signed earlier this summer from Bayer Leverkusen, has already shown flashes of his vision and composure in pre-season. The 22-year-old German playmaker is expected to operate as a No. 10 in Slot’s system, linking midfield and attack.

Arne Slot added: “We’ve added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. The pace of Hugo [Ekitike], the pace of both full-backs – Milos [Kerkez] and Jeremie [Frimpong] today – that’s part of what we’re building.”

Liverpool ended their pre-season with a 4-1 and 3-2 double victory over Athletic Club at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak, Harvey Elliott, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo were all on the scoresheet across both games.

“We created a lot of chances, scored seven goals – so that’s very pleasing to see,” Slot said. “But to concede two set-piece goals, especially ahead of Crystal Palace [on Sunday], that’s something we need to fix.”

Still, the Dutchman is confident that his new-look team will be ready.

“The players are fit, worked really hard, played some good football, defended really strong and good – apart from the two set-pieces,” he said. “It’s going to be a very interesting Premier League again.”

August 6, 2025
Pre-Season 2025: Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Athletic Club

Liverpool returns to Anfield on Monday for a pre-season double-header against Spanish side Athletic Club.

The Reds kicked off their summer schedule with a 3-1 win at Preston before beating Stoke City 5-0 behind closed doors. They then travelled to Asia, where they lost 4-2 to AC Milan in Hong Kong but bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

Arne Slot’s side now face their final tests of pre-season as they host Athletic Club twice in one day, just a week before the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace.

Here’s how we expect the Reds to line up against Athletic Club.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Athletic Club

Defence

Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start in goal again, as Alisson remains unavailable. The back four could see Conor Bradley at right-back, with Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk forming the centre-back pairing. Milos Kerkez is expected to start at left-back after building up minutes in recent games.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch may continue in the deeper midfield role alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who returned to the starting XI in Japan. Both are likely to start as Arne Slot looks to settle his midfield options ahead of the new season.

Pre-Season 2025: Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Athletic Club

Attack

Florian Wirtz is expected to play as the No.10 again after two bright showings in Asia. Mohamed Salah should keep his place on the right, while Cody Gakpo is likely to continue on the left. Hugo Ekitike started against Yokohama and could lead the line again as he continues to build match sharpness.

Predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

August 3, 2025
Confirmed Liverpool Lineup vs Yokohama FM: Ekitike Starts

Arne Slot has named his Liverpool starting XI for the final game of the club’s pre-season tour in Asia, with Hugo Ekitike leading the line against Yokohama F. Marinos.

The Reds are back in action just days after facing AC Milan in Hong Kong, this time taking on J1 League side Yokohama at the Nissan Stadium in Tokyo.

Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal, stepping up again after Alisson Becker returned home due to a personal matter.

Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez are named as the full-backs, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk continuing their partnership at centre-back.

Ryan Gravenberch anchors the midfield, supported by Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz further forward.

Confirmed Liverpool Lineup vs Yokohama FM: Ekitike Starts

In attack, Ekitike makes his first start since joining the squad, lining up alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

The Dutch manager is expected to make several changes in the second half of the game. The bench includes Alexis Mac Allister, Jeremie Frimpong, Wataru Endo and Darwin Nunez, among others.

Liverpool XI vs Yokohama F. Marinos:
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike

Substitutes: Woodman, Pecsi, Tsimikas, Robertson, Frimpong, Endo, Mac Allister, Jones, Morton, Stephenson, Nyoni, Elliott, Ngumoha, Nunez

July 30, 2025
Alan Shearer Slams Newcastle Over Isak Injury Claim Amid Transfer Talk

Alan Shearer has criticised Newcastle United’s explanation for Alexander Isak’s pre-season absence, calling the club’s statement “ridiculous” as speculation grows over the striker’s future.

The Swedish forward was left out of the Magpies’ 30-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, with the club insisting he “misses out with a minor thigh injury.” However, Shearer believes there is more to it, especially with Liverpool among the clubs monitoring his situation.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Newcastle legend said: “It’s ridiculous what Newcastle put out this morning to say he wasn’t on the trip because of a slight thigh injury. If they thought people wouldn’t see through that, it was disappointing. They should have just told the truth straight away.”

Shearer’s comments have been widely seen as a sign that Newcastle are struggling to control the situation. The club’s injury excuse was meant to quiet speculation, but it has backfired, especially with reports now confirming Isak wants to leave.

Alan Shearer Slams Newcastle Over Isak Injury Claim Amid Transfer Talk

The timing has raised eyebrows. Last week, Eddie Howe said Alexander Isak was “absolutely” part of the tour plans, only for the striker to be left out days later. That shift has only fuelled the belief that Newcastle’s statement was meant to delay the inevitable.

Isak’s absence follows reports that he is keen to explore his options this summer, despite Newcastle insisting he is not for sale. The 25-year-old scored 27 goals in 42 appearances last season and is regarded as one of the best forwards in the Premier League.

Liverpool are understood to still be interested, even after signing Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt in a £69m deal. Sources believe Liverpool’s early business may now work in their favour. They are under no pressure to overspend, and with Isak unsettled, the Reds could wait for the price to drop or force Newcastle into talks on their terms.

Shearer admitted it is a tough position for the club:

Eddie Howe has to use all his persuasive powers to do what he can and try to make him stay at least one more year.

If that cannot happen, then it is what it is. You have to get the very best deal for the football club. And if someone is prepared to pay north of £150m, and if he really, really wants to go, you cannot step in his way.

Newcastle suffered a 4-0 defeat to Celtic in their first friendly, a match Isak was expected to feature. Howe has maintained that Isak is happy and “loves the players he plays with,” but did not offer full clarity on his future.

Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has also emerged as a possible target for Newcastle, a move some see as quiet preparation in case Isak departs. But with Ekitike already secured at Anfield and Al-Hilal reportedly willing to match any Premier League offer, the next few weeks could define Isak’s career and Liverpool’s attacking plans.

July 26, 2025
“I Need To Be Selfish” – Harvey Elliott On His Liverpool Future

Harvey Elliott says he “needs to be selfish” about his future at Liverpool, with the English midfielder attracting strong interest from West Ham and RB Leipzig this summer.

The 22-year-old is yet to hold formal talks with Arne Slot or the club’s hierarchy, and has not ruled out a move before the transfer window closes.

Elliott only started six matches under Slot last season, and the recent arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have made his path to regular football even more uncertain.

Speaking during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong, Elliott told The Anfield Wrap:

If I had it my way, I would be here for the rest of my career, it’s as simple as that. I love everything about the club.

But at the same time, I kind of need to be selfish with myself and see what’s best for me.

We have many new players that have come in, so whether it blocks the path for me, I’m not sure. It’s something for me to decide and have a look at.

Elliott has just come off a brilliant summer with England, where he scored five goals in six games and was named Player of the Tournament at the UEFA U21 Euros. UEFA praised him for his movement, leadership and impact in the final third.

“I Need To Be Selfish” – Harvey Elliott On His Liverpool Future

That form has caught the attention of several clubs, and while no bid has been made yet, West Ham and RB Leipzig are monitoring the situation closely. Reports have claimed Liverpool would seek a £50 million fee, or possibly £40 million with a buy-back clause.

The English midfielder is currently focused on pre-season, but he has made it clear that he wants clarity over his role, especially with the World Cup in mind.

I have big ambitions. I want to get in the World Cup squad, keep being successful as a player,” he said.

It’s still something I need to review. I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation.

At the moment I’m here for the season — that’s as far as I’m aware — unless anything changes.

“We have a busy pre-season. It’s nonstop. I just need to make sure I focus on that and be ready for anything.

Liverpool are currently in Hong Kong preparing for the Hong Kong Football Festival, with Elliott expected to feature again this weekend.

July 25, 2025