Amid the great anticipation for the thrilling clash between Liverpool – Newcastle United in the Premier League, we present the key information you need to know.

Spare a thought for Alexander Isak on Monday evening, as Newcastle United and Liverpool round off the second gameweek of the Premier League in a St James’ Park showdown that needs little hype.

The Magpies dearly missed their Scandinavian talisman during last weekend’s stalemate with Aston Villa, while Liverpool were indebted to a new attacking hero in their 4-2 opening win over Bournemouth.

Match Preview:  Liverpool – Newcastle United 

This clash comes against the backdrop of Isak’s transfer saga, which has added even more intrigue. The Swedish striker is pushing for a move to Anfield, accusing Newcastle of breaking promises, while the club insist no such agreement existed. With tensions running high, Eddie Howe has been left scrambling for alternative attacking answers — but his side drew a blank once again in gameweek one despite Villa going down to 10 men.

That result extended Newcastle’s Premier League scoring drought to three matches, their worst run since early 2020. Yet Howe’s men are chasing a more positive streak too: they could win their opening home fixture for a fourth consecutive year.

Liverpool, meanwhile, proved both thrilling and flawed on the opening weekend. A Hugo Ekitike debut goal and Federico Chiesa’s volley helped them overcome defensive frailties and see off Bournemouth, while Mohamed Salah netted yet again. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, with just one clean sheet in their last 10 competitive fixtures.

Still, the Reds boast an extraordinary scoring streak of their own. Should they find the net at St James’ Park, it would equal their longest-ever run of 36 consecutive league games with a goal — a record set in 2019-20.

Newcastle did get the better of Liverpool in last season’s EFL Cup final, but in league play they have failed to win any of their last 17 meetings with the reigning champions.

Liverpool – Newcastle United team News

Isak remains unavailable, isolated from the squad as he continues to push for his exit. Joe Willock is closing in on a return from a calf injury, while new signing Jacob Ramsey may have to wait for his debut as Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes compete for attacking spots.

For Liverpool, Jeremie Frimpong will not be back until after the international break due to a hamstring injury, and Conor Bradley has only just returned to training.

That could see Dominik Szoboszlai shifted into an emergency right-back role, with Ryan Gravenberch back from suspension to bolster midfield options.

Mohamed Salah, who has produced 10 goals and eight assists against Newcastle in the Premier League — including six straight games with an assist — will spearhead the visitors’ attack once more.

Newcastle United predicted XI:

Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.

Liverpool predicted XI:

Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Match Predictions: Liverpool – Newcastle United

Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool

While Liverpool remain shaky defensively, Newcastle without Isak lack the firepower to truly exploit those weaknesses. Howe’s men could threaten on the counter with greater ruthlessness, but the visitors’ full-strength attack looks strong enough to secure back-to-back wins.