Liverpool will meet 15-time winners Real Madrid in the league phase, with Trent Alexander-Arnold set for a return to Anfield in the famous white shirt.
The draw also handed Arne Slot’s side clashes with beaten finalists Inter Milan and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid among their eight fixtures. The Reds complete their schedule against Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Qarabag and Galatasaray.
This season marks the second year of the new 36-team league system. All six Premier League clubs are involved for the first time, though they cannot face each other until the knockout rounds.
Liverpool’s Opponents
Real Madrid (Home)
Inter Milan (Away)
Atletico Madrid (Home)
Eintracht Frankfurt (Away)
PSV Eindhoven (Home)
Marseille (Away)
Qarabag (Home)
Galatasaray (Away)
League Phase Fixture Dates
Matchday 1: September 16–18
Matchday 2: September 30–October 1
Matchday 3: October 21–22
Matchday 4: November 4–5
Matchday 5: November 25–26
Matchday 6: December 9–10
Matchday 7: January 20–21
Matchday 8: January 28
Knockout Phase Dates
Knockout playoff round: February 17–18 & 24–25
Round of 16: March 10–11 & 17–18
Quarterfinals: April 7–8 & 14–15
Semifinals: April 28–29 & May 5–6
Final: May 30 (Puskás Arena, Budapest)
How The New Champions League Format Works
The competition has expanded to 36 teams, with clubs split into four pots of nine for the draw. Each side is given eight opponents, facing two from each pot, with four matches at home and four away. All clubs are then ranked together in a single league phase table.
The top eight qualify directly for the round of 16, while the teams finishing between ninth and 24th contest a playoff to secure the remaining spots in the knockout stage.
Liverpool made history on Monday night by setting a new club record for scoring in consecutive away league games.
Ryan Gravenberch’s opening goal at St. James’ Park extended the Reds’ run to 22 Premier League away fixtures in which they have found the net – the longest streak in Liverpool’s history.
Liverpool Set New Club Record With 22 Consecutive Away League Goals
The run originally started in April 2024 under Jurgen Klopp, with Arne Slot now responsible for 20 of those games since taking over last summer.
Slot’s side also matched another Liverpool record from the Klopp era, when the team scored in 36 consecutive home and away league matches between March 2019 and February 2020. The current streak began in September 2024, following a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Arne Slot has made two changes to his Liverpool side this evening, with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones both coming into the starting XI.
Alisson starts in goal behind a defence of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez.
Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai keep their places in midfield, with Jones joining them in the centre. Gravenberch is also restored to the line-up after suspension.
Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo start out wide, while Hugo Ekitike leads the attack once again.
New signing Giovanni Leoni is named among the substitutes, with Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson also on the bench.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
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.
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.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot remained tight-lipped on the club’s summer transfer activity when asked about Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi during his pre-Newcastle press conference on Thursday.
The Reds head to St. James’ Park on Monday following weeks of speculation around Isak, who has publicly stated he wants to leave Newcastle. Reports suggest Liverpool’s £110m bid for the Swedish striker was rejected, while Crystal Palace is said to have turned down two offers for captain Marc Guehi. Slot, however, refused to dwell on the rumours.
“What I can tell you is not a lot,” he told reporters. “If somebody else is going to ask that question, it’s going to be the same answer. Federico [Chiesa] came in and scored a goal on Friday, and it would be much nicer to talk about the players we have.”
Arne Slot Responds To Alexander Isak And Marc Guehi Transfer Links
The Dutch manager stressed that his focus is on preparing the squad for the match rather than discussing potential transfers:
“It’s nothing to do with anything that’s in the media a lot, but I think if you go to Newcastle, you know what to expect. They are a very good team, intense, and comfortable on the ball — one of the best in the league.”
He also reflected on last season’s encounters with the Magpies, noting their high intensity in both league and cup matches.
On the fitness front, Liverpool will welcome back Ryan Gravenberch, who missed the opening weekend victory over Bournemouth due to suspension. Slot highlighted the midfielder’s impact:
“If he’s the same player as he was last season, that could help us a lot. With him not being there, and us playing with very good but attacking-minded players, that hurt us. His return will strengthen the squad.”
Liverpool have been active in the 2025 summer transfer window, making significant moves to strengthen their squad.
The Reds have made the highest summer spending in the Premier League, investing around £295.5 million. They have brought in players such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Freddie Woodman, Ármin Pécsi, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Despite this substantial investment, manager Arne Slot has expressed satisfaction with the current squad ahead of the trip to St James’ Park for Monday’s game. He emphasized the importance of balance, stating,
“No, I don’t think so, because then I would be unhappy with the squad we have, and I’m very, very happy about the squad we have.”
Arne Slot highlighted the ideal of having two players for each position but noted the challenges of managing a large squad:
‘Only If Things Are Right…’ – Arne Slot Drops Potential Transfer Hint
“I’ve always said that having two for each position is ideal, but I prefer less than more because then you have to disappoint so many players every time, and they’re not even in the squad, let alone playing.”
He further clarified that any future signings would be considered only if they align with the club’s criteria:
“As always, if we think we can improve in a certain position and there’s a player available who can really make us better – which you could see with Giovanni Leoni – then this club has always shown that they can bring these players in, but only if things are right, the right transfer fee, the right player, the right position, and a player who wants to come to us.”
While Slot has made it clear he’s happy with the squad, Liverpool remains active in the transfer market. A £110m bid for Alexander Isak was said to have been turned down by Newcastle, while Crystal Palace rejected two offers for Marc Guehi.
The club may still look to strengthen before the window closes, especially if injuries hit, but any additions will need to be the right fit for both the team and the club’s plans
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has hailed new signing Giovanni Leoni as ‘impressive’ following the centre-back’s first days with the Reds.
Leoni, 18, joined from Parma in a deal worth £26m plus add-ons and has signed a contract until 2031. The Italy U19 international has gone straight into training with Liverpool’s senior squad at the AXA Training Centre and has already made a smooth transition.
Arne Slot shared his thoughts on the young defender during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle on Monday:
“He is a good-looking guy, as [with] most Italians! He has trained with us three times now, I think. If you look at his transfer fee, you can expect that he is already quite grown up for his age – and that’s exactly what I saw. He comes in as an 18-year-old just playing with his new teammates as if he is here for longer. Impressive; if you look at how tall he is, fast, comfortable on the ball.”
‘Impressive’ – Slot Delivers Verdict On New Liverpool Signing Leoni
The Liverpool manager also highlighted how the squad’s environment helps new players settle quickly:
“It also tells you something about the team. If you come to this club, if you come into this team, you feel at ease from the start because it’s a very good and nice group to start your Liverpool career in.”
Leoni began his career at Padova, had a short spell at Sampdoria, and joined Parma last summer. He played 17 games in Serie A during his first campaign, attracting interest from both Milan clubs before opting for a move abroad to Liverpool.
With his physical presence, technical ability, and early adaptation, the Dutch Manager sees Leoni as a bright prospect for the Reds, a player capable of making an impact in the future.
Liverpool right back Jeremie Frimpong will be out until after the September international break with a hamstring injury, Arne Slot confirmed at his pre-Newcastle press conference.
Frimpong, who made his Premier League debut in the 4-2 win over Bournemouth last Friday, was forced off on the hour mark after feeling discomfort. The summer signing will now miss the upcoming league fixtures against Newcastle United and Arsenal.
Speaking today, Slot explained the decision and praised the club’s medical team:
“The medical team was completely right about Jeremie to tell me they had to take him off, because he is out until the end of the international break, and that happened in the game. I already said immediately after the game that it had nothing to do with how he played, but we felt he had an issue with his hamstring.
And with ‘we’ I don’t mean me, but the medical staff. And they were completely right. So, a good call to take him off; otherwise, he would have maybe been out for longer. And we expect to have him back after the international break.”
The setback leaves Liverpool short at right back, although there was positive news as Conor Bradley made a return to training. The Northern Ireland international had missed the Community Shield and the season opener with a hamstring issue of his own.
Slot confirmed:
“Conor trained for a few minutes with us today for the first time.”
Frimpong’s absence comes just as Slot was beginning to integrate him into the starting XI, with the Dutchman impressing in his debut before injury struck. His return is now expected in late September, after the international break.
