Newcastle Set to Battle Liverpool: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Newcastle Set to Battle Liverpool: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

The second matchweek of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign wraps up with the highly anticipated clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool on Monday evening.

Much of the attention surrounding this encounter will center on a player who will be absent from the action at St. James' Park. Alexander Isak's bond with the Magpies has deteriorated significantly following transfer speculation from the Reds, with the Swedish striker recently indicating that his current club had failed to honor commitments made during the summer window.

Newcastle have thus far rejected Liverpool's advances for their key striker, and persist in requesting a club-record transfer fee for Isak's signature.

Both sides would have been reasonably satisfied with their opening week performances, as the defending champions recovered from an early setback against Bournemouth to secure a 4–2 victory, while Newcastle, despite all the surrounding drama, managed to claim a draw at Aston Villa. However, they did benefit from facing ten men for the final portion of that match.

This matchup has delivered some of the most memorable Premier League encounters in history, and another early-season thriller is anticipated under the Monday night floodlights.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this captivating Tyneside showdown.

What Time Does Newcastle vs. Liverpool Kick Off?

Newcastle vs. Liverpool Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

Newcastle

Liverpool

Aston Villa 0–0 Newcastle - 16/08/25

Liverpool 4–2 Bournemouth - 15/08/25

Newcastle 0–2 Atlético Madrid - 09/08/25

Crystal Palace 2–2 (3–2p) Liverpool - 10/08/25

Newcastle 2–2 Espanyol - 08/08/25

Liverpool 3–2 Athletic Club - 04/08/25

Tottenham 1–1 Newcastle - 03/08/25

Liverpool 4–1 Athletic Club - 04/08/25

K-League XI 1–0 Newcastle - 30/07/25

Yokohama F. Marinos 1–3 Liverpool - 30/07/25

How to Watch Newcastle vs. Liverpool on TV, Live Stream

Country

TV channel/live stream

United States

fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO

United Kingdom

Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra, NOW TV

Canada

DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada

Mexico

Max Mexico, Amazon Prime Video

Newcastle Team News

Isak's situation with Newcastle has worsened throughout the past week, though Liverpool have yet to finalize terms with the Magpies for the forward's transfer.

The Swedish international therefore stays on their roster, but he won't be brought back into the squad until the summer transfer period concludes. In his absence, Howe will probably deploy Anthony Gordon in a versatile attacking role, supported by Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes in Newcastle's offensive line.

It wouldn't be shocking if the Magpies manager selected the identical starting eleven from last week's goalless draw at Villa Park, with no new injury setbacks. Joe Willock is nearing his return, while Jacob Ramsey will probably feature as a substitute in his debut appearance for the club.

Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Newcastle predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes

Liverpool Team News

Slot revealed late in the week that summer acquisition Jeremie Frimpong will remain sidelined until the September international window due to a hamstring problem, and Liverpool face a challenge at right-back since Conor Bradley is also unavailable through injury.

The Northern Ireland defender has resumed training after suffering a muscle problem during preseason, but is doubtful to feature on Monday despite Frimpong's unavailability. As an alternative, Slot might consider Joe Gomez or, more intriguingly, Dominik Szoboszlai.

Hugo Ekitiké is certain to start up front following his outstanding Premier League bow, and the French striker will be accompanied by record-purchase Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in the attacking unit.

Importantly, Ryan Gravenberch returns from his suspension.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.

Newcastle vs. Liverpool Score Prediction

These two clubs produced an entertaining 3–3 stalemate at this venue last season, but it was Newcastle who prevailed in their most recent meeting. A 2–1 triumph over the Reds at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final delivered their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

The Isak situation ensures this fixture will carry extra intensity, and the atmosphere promises to be electric on Tyneside. Managing hostile periods will be crucial for the away team, and Gravenberch's availability is important in that context.

Although Liverpool triumphed on opening day, it's evident that Slot is still determining how to achieve the ideal equilibrium within his revamped squad, and Newcastle possess the ability to exploit their defensive vulnerabilities, even in Isak's absence.

The Reds' offensive prowess ensures they'll remain competitive throughout, however, and they would accept a draw on Monday.

Prediction: Newcastle 2–2 Liverpool