Premier League Preview: Newcastle United vs. Liverpool. Can the Magpies Upset the Champions?
The Premier League is set to deliver another blockbuster as Newcastle United host defending champions Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Monday, August 25, 2025, in Gameweek 2 of the 2025/26 season. Kick-off is at 8:00 p.m. BST (3:00 p.m. ET), with the electric atmosphere of a sold-out Tyneside crowd ready to fuel this high-stakes clash. Fresh off a goalless draw against Aston Villa, Newcastle face a daunting challenge against a Liverpool side that started their title defense with a 4-2 thrashing of Bournemouth. With Alexander Isak’s transfer saga adding spice, this match promises drama, intensity, and a test of both teams’ ambitions.
Match Preview
- Newcastle United’s Challenge:
Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, are desperate for their first win of the season after a 0-0 draw at Villa Park, where they managed 16 shots but lacked a cutting edge without star striker Alexander Isak, who is sidelined amid a transfer dispute linked to Liverpool. The Magpies, fresh off their 2025 EFL Cup triumph over Liverpool (2-1), carry a psychological edge but face a tough task without Isak’s goals. Their 5th-place finish last season and Champions League qualification signal their potential, but a subpar pre-season and transfer window setbacks, including missing targets like Hugo Ekitiké and Mohammed Kudus, have left them short in attack. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Anthony Gordon will need to step up to exploit Liverpool’s occasional defensive lapses.
- Liverpool’s Title Defense:
Liverpool, led by Arne Slot, are riding high after a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, with new signings Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitiké, and Federico Chiesa shining alongside Mohamed Salah. Despite a Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace on penalties, the Reds’ attacking firepower, bolstered by Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, makes them favorites. However, injuries to Frimpong (hamstring) and Conor Bradley (muscle) could force Ryan Gravenberch into a makeshift right-back role, a potential weak spot. Liverpool’s unbeaten record at St. James’ Park since 2015 (12 wins, 5 draws) and Salah’s record of 10 goals and 8 assists against Newcastle add to their confidence, but Newcastle’s EFL Cup upset looms large.
- Key Battles to Watch:
- Midfield Showdown: Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães face Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz. Tonali’s dynamism and Guimarães’ passing will test Liverpool’s high press, while Wirtz’s creativity could unlock Newcastle’s low block.
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- Wings vs. Fullbacks: Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga’s pace on Newcastle’s flanks will challenge Liverpool’s makeshift right-back (likely Gravenberch) and Milos Kerkez. Conversely, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo could exploit Newcastle’s fullbacks, Kieran Trippier and Valentino Livramento.
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- Set-Pieces: Newcastle’s Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are aerial threats, while Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté must shore up a defense that looked shaky against Bournemouth’s set-pieces.
- Tactical Insights:
Newcastle are likely to deploy a 4-3-3, focusing on counter-attacks and set-pieces, with Gordon and new signing Yoane Wissa leading the line in Isak’s absence. Liverpool’s fluid 4-3-3 will emphasize high pressing and quick transitions, with Salah and Ekitiké targeting Newcastle’s high defensive line. The Magpies’ home support could inspire a resilient performance, but Liverpool’s depth and attacking quality give them the edge, as predicted by betting odds (Liverpool to win at 2.05–2.1). Clear weather (26.1°C, per transfer-site.co.uk) ensures a fast-paced game.
Key Stats:
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (capacity 52,000, sold out)
- Kick-Off: Monday, August 25, 2025, 8:00 p.m. BST (3:00 p.m. ET, 5:00 a.m. AEST Tuesday)
- Head-to-Head: Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League games against Newcastle (12 wins, 5 draws), but Newcastle won 2-1 in the 2025 EFL Cup final.
- Form: Newcastle – 0-0 draw vs. Aston Villa; Liverpool – 4-2 win vs. Bournemouth.
- Key Players: Newcastle – Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon; Liverpool – Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitiké.
- Injuries/Suspensions: Newcastle – Alexander Isak (club suspension), Joe Willock (ankle, doubtful); Liverpool – Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring), Conor Bradley (muscle, doubtful), Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring).
- Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), NBC Sports (US), JioHotstar (India), Stan Sport (Australia).
Predicted Lineups:
- Newcastle United (4-3-3): Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Valentino Livramento; Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon.
- Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Milos Kerkez; Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitiké, Cody Gakpo.
Prediction:
Newcastle’s home crowd and EFL Cup confidence make them dangerous, but Liverpool’s attacking depth and historical dominance at St. James’ Park tilt the scales. Expect a tight first half, with Liverpool pulling ahead late through Salah or Ekitiké. Predicted Score: Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool.
What’s Next?
Newcastle face Leeds United away on August 30, aiming to kickstart their season, while Liverpool host Arsenal on August 31 in a blockbuster clash.