Despite snatching a last-minute victory in their league opener against Bournemouth, a matchup away to Newcastle will measure Liverpool’s title credentials amid the simmering transfer window drama.
Magpies set up to exploit Reds’ weaknesses
The opening match week displayed contrasting fortunes for Monday’s opponents, as the home side was frustrated by 10-man Aston Villa, while Liverpool weathered a frenetic Bournemouth to come out on top.
While Newcastle looked toothless up front, with Anthony Gordon playing as a makeshift centre forward in the absence of Alexander Isak, Liverpool were far too vulnerable on the counterattack.
The blistering pace of Harvey Barnes, new signing Anthony Elanga, and Gordon will be key if the Magpies are to breach Liverpool's backline.
Throughout pre-season and their first two games, Arne Slot’s side have shown a tendency to overcommit when searching for a goal, which has resulted in defensive capitulation one too many times for the current Premier League title holders.
However, Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring injury and fitness concerns for Conor Bradley may prompt Slot to be more conservative on the right-hand side, with Joe Gomez and even Dominik Szoboszlai in contention to start at St James’ Park.
Furthermore, the combative midfield presence of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will undoubtedly pose problems for the otherwise stable Alexis Mac Allister and the returning Ryan Gravenberch.
St. James’ built for the big stage
Since the start of the calendar year, Newcastle have only fallen to defeat three times at St James’ Park, as the Tyneside club secured Champions League qualification on goal difference ahead of Aston Villa.
In contrast, Liverpool have failed to win five of their last seven away games in the league prior to the close of last season.
St James’ Park has always been a challenging fixture in the football calendar for any side, but the revered ‘big six’ failed to breach Newcastle’s fortress last season, with only Liverpool and Man City leaving with a point apiece.
This will give Eddie Howe’s men a welcome boost after a turbulent summer transfer window has left them unable to avoid the blinding spotlight.
Liverpool, meanwhile, can draw inspiration from the 2-0 win in February 2023 that shattered the Magpies’ unbeaten record, as well as Darwin Nunez’s double, helping the ten men Reds smuggle three points a couple of seasons ago.
The Alexander Isak Saga
What was initially a matchup between two of the Premier League’s best sides has slowly escalated into a tense rivalry because of one man – Alexander Isak.
As PIF-owned Newcastle have been rebuffed at almost every opportunity by several transfer targets, it is the Swedish striker who has made the headlines, and for the wrong reasons.
Upon the Reds completing the signing of Hugo Ekitike, a target of Eddie Howe, Isak began to push for a move to Liverpool after rejecting a new contract with Newcastle.
At the time of writing, Newcastle have shown no willingness to negotiate with Liverpool, who are prepared to pay a British record transfer fee for the superstar striker.
Isak’s behaviour has seemingly severed his relationship with Newcastle fans, who, alongside Howe, will be hoping for a swift resolution.
They are not likely to get that before the sides meet, which is all the more reason for the home side to showcase that he will not be missed on the pitch.
Proceed at your own peril, Liverpool…