NEWCASTLE VS. LIVERPOOL
| Monday, August 25th |
Premier League | St. James’ Park
8PM BST/3PM EST
There’s no sugarcoating it. This is probably going to be a very intense and difficult match. There is a lot of perceived animosity between the clubs right now due in no small part to the contentious Alexander Isak transfer saga. Liverpool’s attempts to sign the striker have been well documented, and Newcastle’s inability to sign a replacement have been equally documented. It certainly hasn’t been a fun saga to witness, at least
on this end, and it’s expected to reach a head on Monday in one way or another – and no, Isak isn’t expected to play.
Liverpool, with ten days between this match and the Bournemouth opener, will be hoping to find some of their defensive stability with the return of Ryan Gravenberch to the lineup after his suspension last match. Thankfully the only player that may be missing is Jeremie Frimpong as he deals with a hamstring injury sustained during the Bournemouth match, and Conor Bradley will hopefully be ready to fill his spot.
Newcastle, in their first home match of the season, will certainly be looking to make a mark on the champions for trying to take their want-away star, and remind us of the Carabao Cup loss from last season. Anthony Gordon is actually expected to fill the central forward role for the Magpies, and has been noted as making more space for the other forwards to be a little productive, although the experiment didn’t quite work in their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa last week. Which side of Tyneside will we see on Monday? Who actually knows, but the lack of bite from Isak will only be an advantage for Liverpool.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3)
Alisson; Gomez, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Wirtz, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo
Liverpool actually have a mostly fully fit squad, with the previously mentioned Frimpong the only first teamer dealing with a knock. Thankfully coach Arne Slot mentioned that the medical team caught it quickly and so the fullback is expected to return following the international break after the Arsenal match. Conor Bradley began training again on August 21st, so it may too early for him to start in the spot, making a perfect place for Joe Gomez to come back into the senior squad (she says hopefully).
The Managers Have Their Say
Arne Slot: “I think if you go to Newcastle you know what to expect. We played them three times last season and twice their intensity levels were above ours. In the away game, especially in the first 60 minutes, they were so, so, so intense and fully deserved to have the lead. In the League Cup final, they were more intense than us as well. So, I don’t think they need anything to add for them to be intense if they play at St. James’ Park.”
Eddie Howe: “The first home game is always going to be electric. Under the lights, evening games are always really special for us. I have no doubt this will be a really passionate display from the home support. We need to use that – but not be reckless with it. We’ve got to concentrate and deliver our game plan, but using the energy from the crowd will be vital for us.”
The Officials
Referee: Simon Hooper Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long Fourth Official: Tony Harrington
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