A new era begins at St James’ Park on Sunday as Newcastle United welcome Liverpool for one of the most intriguing games of the Premier League’s opening weekend.
Both clubs have new managers in the dugout.
Matthias Jaissle takes charge of Newcastle for the first time in a competitive game, while Andoni Iraola will make his Premier League debut as Liverpool boss.
There has also been a huge amount of change on the pitch.
Newcastle have lost Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, while Liverpool have said goodbye to Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté.
Then there is Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker returns to St James’ Park for the first time since leaving Newcastle for Liverpool in a British-record £125m deal.
It is difficult to imagine a more awkward way for him to make his first appearance back in the North East.
Liverpool finished fifth last season, while Newcastle endured a difficult campaign and finished outside the European places.
Both will be desperate to start this season on a positive note.
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What are the best picks for Newcastle United vs Liverpool?
Liverpool to win
Liverpool are the side I am leaning towards here.
That might sound strange considering Newcastle have home advantage and a crowd that will be desperate to make life uncomfortable for Iraola’s new-look side.
But there are too many question marks around Newcastle for me. Jaissle has inherited a squad that has changed dramatically over the summer.
Guimarães, Tonali and Gordon are gone. Joelinton is also unavailable for the opener, leaving the new manager with a midfield that has barely had time to settle.
Liverpool have their own problems, of course.
They have lost some huge players and Iraola has admitted that the squad still needs strengthening, particularly out wide.
Even so, Liverpool still have Virgil van Dijk, Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Isak.
That is quite a lot of talent to throw at a Newcastle team still trying to work out exactly what it is.
The home crowd will make this difficult. But if Liverpool go ahead early, that crowd might turn frosty.
I think Liverpool have enough individual quality to do exactly that.
Alexander Isak to score
There was never really going to be another choice here, was there?
Isak’s return to St James’ Park is the biggest subplot of the game.
The Swede left Newcastle after a very public transfer saga that saw him down tools for the Magpies and eventually joined Liverpool for £125m.
His first season on Merseyside did not go to plan. Injuries restricted him to 22 appearances, with just four goals to his name.
He is now fit and has a point to prove. I also think the fixture itself suits him.
Newcastle are expected to press aggressively under Jaissle, and that can leave space for a striker with Isak’s pace and movement.
Liverpool will have chances to counter.
If Wirtz and the midfield can find Isak early, I would not want to be a Newcastle defender running back towards his own goal.
There will be plenty of noise around him on Sunday. I think Isak answers it in the best possible way.
Be interesting to see if he celebrates.
Over 2.5 goals
This fixture has never been short of entertainment.
The last meeting at St James’ Park produced another classic, while the fixture has averaged 3.2 goals across its Premier League history.
There are also plenty of reasons to expect another open game.
Newcastle have a new manager who wants his team to press and play with intensity.
Liverpool are also expected to be more aggressive under Iraola.
Neither side has a settled look yet, especially at the back.
Liverpool have already lost some important defensive players, while Newcastle are beginning a complete rebuild.
That could lead to chances at both ends.
I can see Newcastle scoring in front of what should be a raucous St James’ Park. I can also see Liverpool scoring more than once.
Three goals feels like a realistic starting point here. You could even back both teams to score here and I don’t think you will be far wrong.
Where can I watch Newcastle vs Liverpool?
In the UK, Newcastle vs Liverpool will be shown live on Sky Sports, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 PM BST.
For viewers in the USA, Newcastle vs Liverpool will be available on NBC and Peacock, with kickoff at 11:30 AM ET.
The game takes place at St James’ Park on Sunday, August 23.
What have the managers said?
Matthias Jaissle:
“We are for sure not 100 per cent against Liverpool.”
Jaissle has admitted that Newcastle are not yet where he wants them to be after such a turbulent summer.
Andoni Iraola:
“I feel excited.”
Iraola is clearly looking forward to his first competitive game in charge of Liverpool.
The Spaniard has admitted that his team are also not yet at 100%, but he believes they are ready to compete from the beginning of the season.
What is Newcastle United’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Hornicek – Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall – Ramsey, Bamba – Elanga, Wissa, Barnes – Osula.
Doubts: Miley, Burn.
Injured: Livramento, Joelinton.
What is Liverpool’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Alisson – Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez – Gravenberch, Szoboszlai – Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo – Isak.
Doubts: Jaros, Bajcetic.
Injured: Bradley, Gomez, Leoni, Ekitike.
Score prediction: Newcastle United 1-3 Liverpool
Keep up to date with all the latest news and previews throughout the season for both Newcastle and Liverpool on their dedicated hubs.
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