Newcastle United host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday in the most enticing fixture of the Premier League season so far.
The rematch of last season’s EFL Cup final, which Newcastle won 2-1 to secure their first domestic major trophy for 70 years, has had significant spice added to it by the drama surrounding Magpies striker Alexander Isak.
Isak, who scored the ultimately decisive second goal at Wembley in March, has refused to train or play for Newcastle in a bid to force through a move to Liverpool, who have had a £110million bid rejected for the Sweden international.
Last week, Isak released a statement claiming his relationship with Newcastle “can’t continue” because of promises he alleged the club broke. Newcastle responded insisting no promises had been made about Isak being allowed to leave. They added that they did not foresee their conditions for a sale being met.
With Newcastle’s first home game of the Premier League season coming amid the backdrop of the Isak stand-off, the atmosphere promises to be even more raucous than usual.
101GreatGoals.com has the team news for a mouthwatering encounter that has consistently delivered goals.
Newcastle vs Liverpool Betting Offers – Best EPL Betting Tips & Predictions
Newcastle United team news vs Liverpool
Newcastle are unchanged from the side that impressed without finding the net in their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
Anthony Gordon continues in the false nine role in Isak’s absence, the Liverpudlian flanked by Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes in the front three.
Newcastle’s latest signing, midfielder Jacob Ramsey, is on the bench, along with defender Malick Thiaw as the former AC Milan centre-back awaits his debut for the club.
Also on the bench is midfielder Joe Willock, who returns from an injury he suffered in pre-season.
William Osula, Newcastle’s only recognised central striker amid Isak’s self-enforced exile, could come off the bench having done so late against Villa.
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Barnes, Gordon.
Subs: Ramsdale, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Ramsey, Miley, Willock, Murphy, Osula.
Liverpool team news vs Newcastle
Liverpool are dealing with injury problems at right-back, with injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley forcing midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to operate on the right side of defence.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister misses out due to the birth of his child, with Curtis Jones taking his place in the Liverpool engine room.
With Liverpool appearing increasingly unlikely to land Isak this summer, Hugo Ekitike leads the line for the Reds.
Newcastle had attempted to sign Ekitike before Liverpool entered the race, signing the 23-year-old from Eintracht Frankfurt in July in a deal worth £79m.
Liverpool: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Robertson, Gomez, Endo, Leoni, Elliott, Nyoni, Chiesa, Ngumoha
How to watch Newcastle vs Liverpool: TV channel, live stream
Kick-off is at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and Ultra starting at 6:30pm.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £26 a month for a six-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
