Newcastle vs. Liverpool – Eddie Howe: Pre-Match Press Conference

Newcastle United host Liverpool on Monday night amid the never-ending Alexander Isak saga, with the striker still unavailable, refusing to join his teammates or ever play again for the Magpies, and seeking a move to Anfield.

Eddie Howe’s side began their season with a goalless draw at Aston Villa and have now gone three Premier League matches without scoring, tracking back to the last campaign. Newcastle have not gone four consecutive top-flight games without a goal since early 2020, before PIF’s

NUFC became a thing, and are targeting a fourth straight home-opening win under Howe.

With regards to possible returns outside of the no-returning Isak, Joe Willock could make his comeback from a pre-season calf injury. New signing Jacob Ramsey may debut too, but Howe is expected to keep his starting front three intact at least for the start of the massive matchup against the Reds.

Moving to the other side of the field, Liverpool began their season with a sound 4-2 win over Bournemouth, despite showing some worrying defensive lapses. Former Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike scored and assisted on his Reds debut, while Mohamed Salah extended his strong opening-day record.

Salah has 10 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League against Newcastle, including assists in six consecutive matches. The Magpies have not beaten Liverpool in 17 league meetings.

Do you know when Newcastle beat Liverpool, though? You’re damn right, you know.

Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk

On Monday’s game and the St. James’ Park crowd…

“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.”

On Jacob Ramsey and the possibility of his debut…

“He’ll be available. We’ve still got training sessions to go before the game but he’s in a good place and has looked really impressive in his first couple of days – really, really good technically, very intelligent and I think he’ll add a lot to the team. He has standout qualities.”

On Anthony Gordon’s adaptability and central role against Aston Villa last weekend…

“He’s done it enough to do the job really well for the team. I have no issue playing him there a number of times both as a starter and a substitute. He plays differently to other strikers but that can be a positive.

“He’s got devastating pace, a really good work ethic and he’s scored goals. I think he played really well last week in lots of different phases of his game.”

On midfielder Willock’s fitness…

“Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well. When he went down in the game (in South Korea) I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn’t look good.

“Credit to him – he’s got back fit and looking good.”

On centre half partnership Fabian Schär and Dan Burn, and his other defensive options…

“Fabian and Dan were excellent against Aston Villa – defending, leading, organising, making sure that we concentrated throughout the game. It would have been very easy for one slip to cost us. I thought we looked really good in that respect.

“Sven (Botman), Malick (Thiaw) and Jamaal (Lascelles) are all outstanding players individually and will give us a lot this year but when you’re not in the team you have to be patient, train really well so when you do get your opportunity you can grab it.”

Howay!