Newcastle host Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night in what could be a high-tempered affair after the drama between the clubs over the summer.
That drama has centred around a player who will not be involved on Monday, Newcastle’s wantaway striker Alexander Isak.
The Swedish star is very keen to leave for Liverpool, but the Magpies do not want to let him go, rejecting a bid of £110m from the Reds.
Isak has kicked up a stink, not taking part in training and is not available for selection as he looks to force through a move.
Liverpool have just a few more days until the transfer window closes on Monday September 1, and if a deal is not done it is not clear what will happen to Isak at Newcastle.
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Magpies boss Eddie Howe will hope his team can find a way to offer a threat without their star striker as they were blunt in a goalless opening weekend draw with Aston Villa.
In contrast, Liverpool looked dangerous as they beat Bournemouth 4-2 on the opening night of the season at Anfield.
When is Newcastle vs Liverpool?
The match takes place at St James’ Park with kick-off at 8pm on Monday August 25.
Newcastle vs Liverpool TV channel and live stream
The game is being shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available on Sky Go.
If you don’t have a Sky Sports account then you can stream through Now TV.
Newcastle vs Liverpool team news
Newcastle have Joe Willock available again after injury, while Isak remains out of contention.
Liverpool are struggling at right-back as Jeremie Frimpong is out with a hamstring problem and Conor Bradley is not back to full fitness, although did train briefly last week.
Ryan Gravenberch is back from suspension after missing the win over Bournemouth.
Newcastle vs Liverpool odds
2/1 Newcastle
11/5 Draw
1/1 Liverpool
Odds courtesy of Betfair
Newcastle vs Liverpool last 10 meetings
24 Apr 2021: Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle – Premier League
16 Dec 2021: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle – Premier League
30 Apr 2022: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool – Premier League
31 Aug 2022: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle – Premier League
18 Feb 2023: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool – Premier League
27 Aug 2023: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool – Premier League
01 Jan 2024: Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle – Premier League
04 Dec 2024: Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool – Premier League
26 Feb 2025: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle – Premier League
16 Mar 2025: Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle – League Cup Final
What the managers have said
Speaking on Howe’s predicament with Isak, Slot said: ‘In general I have sympathy for Eddie Howe because he is a great human being. It’s maybe not a coincidence that I’ve texted with him because I think he’s a very nice, honest and polite colleague.
‘For the rest, I don’t need to have sympathy for a manager that can still have the availability of Gordon, Murphy, Elanga, Barnes … You don’t need to have sympathy for a manager who has so many good players in his squad. But, in general, I like him and I don’t think it will be a surprise to anyone if eventually he is going to lead the national team of England.’
Howe said in his pre-match press conference: ‘We are looking to start the season well. Alex’s situation is irrelevant, really. When the game starts, it’s about us playing to the best of our ability and showing the fighting spirit we did against Aston Villa.
‘Newcastle versus Liverpool is always a very special game. I can picture previous Premier League encounters over the years with vivid memories of moments and drama in the games and this will be no different.
‘Of course, I’m not stupid, I know what’s around the fixture. I know the importance of it – it’s our first home game of the season. All of these things just make it extra special.’
