Four Epic Showdowns Set to Determine Newcastle's Fate Against Liverpool
When these two teams meet, excitement is guaranteed, and Monday night's encounter on Tyneside promises to deliver spectacular entertainment.
The Alexander Isak situation casts a significant shadow over this matchup, with the Swedish striker sidelined once more while Liverpool continues their pursuit. The Magpies have successfully resisted the Reds' efforts to secure their prized striker, though Isak may have strained his bond with Newcastle supporters in his quest for a desired transfer.
This backdrop is set to inject extra intensity into a fixture renowned for delivering memorable drama. St. James' Park under floodlights creates an electric atmosphere, presenting the title holders with a formidable challenge even without Isak's presence.
The home side will be eager to triumph over Arne Slot's squad, having secured victory in this year's Carabao Cup final. While Slot's team has undergone significant changes since that March setback, Eddie Howe would be smart to employ a comparable approach. Pure intensity and passion.
Here are four crucial matchups that may determine this captivating encounter.
1. Newcastle's Left Flank vs. Makeshift Right Back
Liverpool face a right-back dilemma at St. James' Park, with Jeremie Frimpong sidelined until the September international window. Conor Bradley remains in recovery and seems unlikely to feature in the Dutchman's place, while Joe Gomez requires careful management due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Therefore, Slot may need to think outside the box on Monday evening. Speculation suggests that Dominik Szoboszlai, who functioned as Liverpool's most advanced midfielder last term, might be deployed defensively. The Hungarian isn't particularly known for his defensive dueling abilities, but his pace will be crucial at St. James' Park.
Szoboszlai will contribute in both directions to assist Mohamed Salah, while potentially fulfilling a Trent Alexander-Arnold-style role from deeper areas. His distribution skills could help bypass Newcastle's expected aggressive pressing. However, his inexperience in this position makes him a likely target for the Magpies.
Harvey Barnes is expected to feature on the left wing, supported by Tino Livramento's forward runs from left-back. They'll look to exploit Salah's limited defensive tracking to create numerical advantages against Liverpool's right-back, with versatile false nine Anthony Gordon also rotating to that side.
Should Slot opt for a natural right-back, Newcastle could exploit any match sharpness issues.
2. Ryan Gravenberch vs. Newcastle's Pressing Game
Eddie Howe will harness the Newcastle supporters' energy. His squad performs optimally when displaying physicality, persistence, and controlled aggression. The Magpies will be highly motivated given the circumstances.
Anticipate the hosts to start aggressively, seeking to overwhelm their opponents through crowd support and suffocating defensive work. Expect extensive man-marking, forcing Liverpool into either long balls where Dan Burn or Fabian Schär can excel aerially, or risky short passes during build-up play.
The Reds, particularly if Szoboszlai operates at right-back, should consider playing over Newcastle's press, but their preferred route through the Magpies' pressure is clear. Ryan Gravenberch returns after missing opening night through suspension, and his comeback is crucial for the visitors.
Despite limited evidence, Liverpool appear unbalanced. Gravenberch's absence has been a significant factor. The Dutchman provides the stability Slot desperately needs, especially in possession. He offers excellent press resistance, and Liverpool will need his finest performance on Monday night against Magpie pressure.
Gravenberch possesses the ability to unlock the match with a skillful move, feint, or his signature turn.
3. The Unstoppable Mohamed Salah
Howe typically avoids leaving his full-backs isolated against elite wingers. Against Bukayo Saka, for instance, the Newcastle manager has previously positioned Joelinton wide to provide additional support, and Howe might use the Brazilian to assist Tino Livramento while maintaining attacking options.
The physical Joelinton will certainly be monitoring closely, but Livramento's display against Salah in this year's Carabao Cup final should give Howe confidence.
However, the Egyptian has repeatedly demonstrated that he doesn't require match dominance to make significant contributions. He frequently performs well against the Magpies, delivering an outstanding display at St. James' Park during last season's 3-3 stalemate.
Salah has found the net 10 times in 18 appearances against Newcastle throughout his career, while also providing eight assists. He consistently delivers regardless of opposition, but the superstar winger has developed a special affinity for the Geordies.
Howe needs a strategy.
4. Florian Wirtz vs. Magpie Physicality
Liverpool's record acquisition made a understated Premier League bow, but Wirtz's brilliance may not be immediately apparent. Consider Hugo Ekitiké's opening goal, for instance. His movement to draw Tyler Adams away created the opportunity for the Frenchman to initiate the scoring.
His off-ball intelligence will be vital here against Newcastle's man-marking approach, not just for his own freedom, but to create opportunities for teammates. Wirtz operates as an unselfish creator.
Nevertheless, Monday's match could serve as a harsh "Premier League introduction" for the skillful German, who will certainly be targeted by Newcastle as a key player they'll want to 'unsettle' within acceptable limits. Wirtz lacks imposing physicality and might be overwhelmed by the Geordie atmosphere despite his exceptional ability. It's a unique challenge.
Liverpool's four-pronged attack will be extremely difficult to contain, and Wirtz, the crucial connector in the mayhem, must be neutralized if Newcastle hope to frustrate the Reds collectively.