Liverpool will travel to Newcastle United on Monday night amid a high-profile transfer controversy in which the Reds are attempting to lure striker Alexander Isak away from the Magpies.
The Swedish striker has been exercising alone in preparation for the new season, as the club and player have hit an impasse.
What’s the latest on the Isak situation?
So far, Newcastle have refused Liverpool’s advances. Isak, on the other hand, has made it known on social media that he wants to join the defending Premier League winners and is frustrated that the Magpies are preventing him from doing so.
As a result, he has been working separately from the rest of the Newcastle squad as they prepare for a rematch of their 2025 Carabao Cup victory, which was the Magpies’ first major title in 70 years.
Manager Eddie Howe announced that Isak will not play on Monday. But he is hopeful that the Swedish striker, who scored 23 league goals last season, will be reintegrated into the club, claiming there is no personal hatred between them.
He also concedes that the incident has put the club in a tough situation.
Newcastle vs Liverpool: Premier League – team news, start time and lineups
“It is a lose/lose situation to a degree for us because I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation,” Howe said the news conference on Friday.
“We love Alex in the sense of what he’s done for the football club since he’s been here, what he’s contributed, what he’s given, how professional he’s been.”
What happened in Newcastle’s first Premier League game?
Without Isak, the Magpies were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa to begin their season, despite creating the majority of the opportunities.
How did Liverpool fare in the Premier League opener?
Liverpool looked superb at moments and vulnerable at others in their season-opening 4-2 home triumph over Bournemouth, despite surrendering a two-goal lead to Antoine Semenyo’s second-half brace.
Substitute Federico Chiesa scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, while Mo Salah added his first of the season in second-half stoppage time.
Summer signings Hugo Ekikite scored his first Liverpool goal and provided his first assist, helping the Reds to a 2-0 lead.
What is Liverpool’s perspective on the Newcastle trip?
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is aware of the hostile environment his team is going to endure even without the Isak incident.
“Nothing to do with anything that’s in the media a lot, but I think if you go to Newcastle, you know what to expect,” Slot said. “We’ve played them three times last season, and twice their intensity levels were above ours.
In the away game, especially the first 60 minutes, they were so, so, so intense. They were fully deserved [of a point].”
What happened the last time Newcastle met Liverpool?
Newcastle were 2-1 winners against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March.
The teams shared a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park last season, but the Reds did win the league meeting at Anfield 2-0.
Head-to-head
This is the 189th meeting between the clubs, with Liverpool winning on 93 occasions compared to Newcastle’s 50 victories.
Newcastle have not beaten Liverpool in the league since a 2-0 home win in December 2015.
The Reds have won 12 of 17 fixtures between the clubs since then.
Newcastle team news
Isak is the big-name omission from the Newcastle match-day squad once again.
Should Joe Willock return from a calf problem, however, then Newcastle will otherwise have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Jacob Ramsey has signed from Aston Villa and could be in line for a debut for the Magpies.
Liverpool team news
One of Liverpool’s new signings, Jeremie Frimpong, will be out after the international break with a hamstring injury.
Conor Bradley has returned to full training from injury, but Joe Gomez is still be assessed following a knock but may not yet be fully fit to start.
Predicted Newcastle starting lineup
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Predicted Liverpool starting lineup
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike