Isak returns to St James' Park for the first time after the transfer drama: will he help Liverpool beat his former club?
Venue: St. James' Park
Local Kick-off Time: Aug 23, 2026 4.30pm
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Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Newcastle United News:
Form & Context: Newcastle enter the new season amidst major off-field transition, having parted ways with manager Eddie Howe alongside core stars Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Anthony Gordon following a disappointing 12th-place finish in 2025-26—their joint-worst Premier League standing of the decade. The Magpies have turned to 38-year-old manager Matthias Jaissle, a six-time trophy winner with Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli, to oversee the rebuild.
Pre-Season & Form Trends: After an initial 4-1 friendly defeat to Bristol City prior to Jaissle's arrival, Newcastle beat Valencia, fell to Everton and Bayer Leverkusen, and drew with Strasbourg, both scoring and conceding in all four matches. The Magpies have seen both teams score in seven consecutive Premier League home games at St James' Park. However, historical opening-day omens favor the hosts: Newcastle are unbeaten in their last four matchday one fixtures, while Jaissle has won his inaugural game in charge at all three of his previous clubs.
Team News & Lineup: Sales and injuries have depleted Newcastle's midfield. Joelinton is sidelined for several weeks with a groin injury, paving the way for summer signings Sean Steur or Aladji Bamba to make their full debuts. Tino Livramento remains out with a calf problem, allowing newcomer Amar Dedić to start at full-back. Goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček is primed for his Premier League debut, while Yoane Wissa is expected to feature in the number 10 role behind Nick Woltemade.
Liverpool News:
Form & Context: Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool as Arne Slot's successor, backed by high expectations to restore the high-intensity pressing football that defined the golden Jürgen Klopp era. The Reds carry a formidable 13-game unbeaten run in Premier League opening-day fixtures. Furthermore, Iraola holds an impressive personal managerial record against Newcastle in the top flight, remaining undefeated with three wins and three draws, alongside his personal 18-match Premier League unbeaten streak carried over from Bournemouth.
Pre-Season Form: Liverpool's six pre-season friendlies produced 20 goals (averaging over three per game), tightening up defensively to finish with back-to-back clean sheets against Como after conceding nine goals across their opening four games.
Team News & Lineup: The Reds remain without long-term absentees Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee), and Hugo Ekitiké (Achilles), while Joe Gomez is out with a muscular issue. Curtis Jones is unavailable amid negotiations over a £30m switch to Inter Milan. With Alexis Mac Allister only just returning from World Cup final duty, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to partner in a double pivot, with youngster Rio Ngumoha set to step into Mohamed Salah's position.
