Liverpool v Newcastle preview with Jan Molby’s prediction and tactical insight | OneFootball

Liverpool and Newcastle Set for Fierce St James’ Park Clash

As Liverpool prepare to travel to Newcastle on Monday night, the latest episode of Molby On The Spot with Trev Downey and Jan Molby offered a sharp and detailed look at the Reds’ early season form, the challenges that await them, and the prediction for this much-anticipated Premier League encounter.

Concerns from the Bournemouth win

Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Bournemouth on opening day gave three points but raised tactical questions. Molby highlighted a key flaw: “The distances are too big. I’m looking at the distances from Virgil Van Dijk to Kerkez… once Bournemouth came in at half-time, their manager might have had a word and gone, ‘Listen, there’s areas here. This Liverpool team isn’t as compact as we normally experience.’”

The Dane warned that such looseness could be exposed by stronger opposition, but he was not overly pessimistic: “I’m not sure there is any need to be worried about the next game because I think we’ll put it right and I think we’ll be okay.”

New boys making their mark

The discussion also touched on Liverpool’s summer arrivals. Florian Wirtz showed glimpses of control without producing the spectacular, while full-back Jeremie Frimpong impressed with his pace. But it was striker Hugo Ekitike who stood out. Molby admitted: “He’s overperforming our expectations. I thought we’re going to need to work with this guy… but that doesn’t appear to be the case, does it? He’s got a game already, with and without the ball.”

His link-up play and awareness brought balance to Liverpool’s forward line. Molby suggested that Ekitike’s versatility could allow him to partner Mohamed Salah directly, whether in a 4-4-2 or as a more fluid front two.

Newcastle’s physical challenge

Looking ahead, the podcast analysed Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa. Despite dominating possession and shots, their lack of a natural goal scorer was apparent. Molby was sceptical about Anthony Gordon filling that void: “A lot of people think, could he do the same with Anthony Gordon, turn him into a central striker? I don’t think so… I think Anthony Gordon’s going, I don’t have to because I’ll play wide.”

What Newcastle do offer is relentless intensity. Molby noted: “They make the games unbearably hectic. It just becomes hectic from the first minute because of the noise from the stand, the way they play, the fouls in midfield and the energy. I’ve got a feeling they’re going to do everything they possibly can to rough Liverpool.”

Prediction for Newcastle v Liverpool

When pressed for his forecast, Molby was cautious but realistic. He emphasised Newcastle’s physical edge and strong bench, warning of a tough battle at St James’ Park. His verdict: “I think it’s going to be a very, very difficult game to control… if we come away with anything from that game, even without a recognised goal scorer, I think we’ll do well. My first instinct would be a 1-1 draw.”

That prediction reflects the sense that Liverpool are still adapting to Arne Slot’s methods, while Newcastle will look to harness their home crowd and physicality to unsettle the champions.

Final thoughts

The Molby On The Spot podcast captured the uncertainty but also the optimism around Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle. While questions remain over defensive compactness and squad integration, the emergence of Ekitike and the gradual return of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister could stabilise the midfield.

Molby’s parting shot summed up the mood: “It’ll be a proper sort of old-fashioned energetic physical game. They’re going to throw everything at us. Let’s hope there’s one of those Stan Collymore moments at the end for Ekitike or Mo.”

Liverpool against Newcastle rarely lacks drama, and Monday night promises another intense chapter in this growing rivalry.