The Premier League opener offers fireworks on Tyneside. Liverpool travel north to face a Newcastle in rebuilding – while both teams have new managers at the helm. Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off.
Many new faces
It’s a new era on both sides of the pitch. Liverpool with Arne Slot replaces Jürgen Klopp – Newcastle with Andoni Iraola replaces Eddie Howe. But while Slot has been allowed to keep most of their tribe, Newcastle have been woefully ribbed this summer.
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Gone are several of the mainstays that took the Magpies to the top. And in addition to the player losses, they also have to deal with the absence of Howe, who left the club after last season.
For Liverpool, it’s not all joy either: Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah are among those who have left Anfield this summer. But it makes the way open for others – like Alexander Isak.
The former Newcastle striker missed the reunion with his old club last year due to injury. Today he gets the chance to show what they missed – on their home ground.
This is how the teams line up
Newcastle (XI): Hornicek – Hall, Botman, Wissa, Osula – Barnes, Thiaw, Steur – Elanga, Dedic, Miley
The bench: Jaouen, Schar, Bamba, Toure, Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, Ramsety, Shahar
Liverpool (XI): Alisson – Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez – Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak – Gakpo, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha
The bench: Mamardashvili, Endo, Mac Allister, Tsimikas, Munoz, Araujo, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas
Statistics crush Newcastle hopes
Some numbers speak for themselves – and for Newcastle they are painful to read:
- No win in 19 games against Liverpool in the Premier League. The last time they beat the Reds? That was a long time ago.
- But one thing speaks in Newcastle’s favour: they have not lost their first league game since 2021.
- Liverpool, on the other hand, are unbeaten in 13 of their last 13 season openers – a definitive answer few can match.
- Still: Liverpool lost four of their last five away games in the league last year – a weakness Iraola can exploit.
- And precisely Iraola: He did not lose any of his last 18 Premier League games as Bournemouth manager. An impressive statistic he takes with him north.
Our verdict: A perfect opening for Liverpool?
Newcastle have had a nightmare summer. Three key players have left, Eddie Howe is gone, and the team still seems in shock. Liverpool, on the other hand, appear more stable – and with a manager who has won 18 of a possible 18 points before the start of the season, this could be the perfect entry point into a new era.
Tips: Liverpool will win – but Newcastle will fight for every second.
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