Newcastle United vs Liverpool Preview – Premier League 2025/26 | Form, Injuries, Lineups & Prediction | OneFootball

Newcastle United vs Liverpool Preview: The Premier League rarely waits long before delivering a fixture that feels more like theatre than sport, and Monday night at St James’ Park promises exactly that. On 25 August 2025, under the floodlights of Tyneside, Newcastle United and Liverpool FC collide in Gameweek 2 of the new campaign – a contest already brimming with narrative, memory, and meaning.

This is no ordinary meeting. Just months ago, Newcastle broke their 70-year silverware drought by stunning Liverpool in the EFL Cup Final, a victory that reverberated across English football and cemented Eddie Howe’s men as genuine contenders. But Liverpool, under Arne Slot, responded by storming to the Premier League title, blending steel with style, and arming themselves further this summer with marquee signings like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké.

The stakes now extend beyond three points. Alexander Isak’s flirtation with Liverpool has given this fixture an extra layer of spice. For Newcastle, it is the chance to prove their Cup triumph was not a one-off but a marker of their new era. For Liverpool, it is about sending an early-season warning shot: the champions are not here to be hunted; they are here to rule again.

The backdrop is irresistible – a sold-out St James’ Park, 52,000 Geordies in full voice, and a contest framed by simmering recent history, contrasting ambitions, and the tantalising possibility of another seismic chapter in a rivalry that has grown sharper with every passing season.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool Preview: Current Form

Newcastle United

2024-25 Final Position: 5th in the Premier League, EFL Cup winners, ended a 70-year trophy drought.

Pre-season: Mixed fortunes – no wins recorded, indicating possible rust or need for sharper match conditioning.

Season start: Played out a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park, in a keenly contested stalemate, after being a man up for over 25 minutes.

Liverpool FC

Defending Premier League champions, entering 2025/26 with title holder status.

Gameweek 1: Opened with a 4-2 home victory over Bournemouth, with strong attacking output. Previously, their most recent result in preseason was a defeat in the Community Shield Final on penalties to Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace.

Transfers: Upgraded squad with marquee additions – Florian Wirtz (potential British record), Hugo Ekitiké, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong – aiming to strengthen depth and rotation.

Head-to-Head Record

Recent meeting: Liverpool defeated Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield in February 2025. Goals by Szoboszlai (11’) and Mac Allister (63’) sealed the result and extended Liverpool’s advantage in the title race.

Finals history: Newcastle’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the 2025 EFL Cup final delivered their first major trophy in 70 years – a landmark moment and psychological boost.

Overall, the two clubs share recent competitive encounters marked by tensions, high stakes, and memorable outcomes.

Last Five Competitive Meetings (as of Aug 2025)

Injury News & Suspensions

Newcastle United

Alexander Isak, the club’s top scorer last season, is in limbo – he has expressed a desire to explore a move away and missed the Asia pre-season tour, even training separately. His participation remains highly doubtful.

A few strikers are still desperately needed, and more importantly, Isak’s flirtation with Liverpool needs to be resolved. Howe’s statement that he “wants players that really want to play for this football club” implies that the manager is fed up with Isak, but a lot will rely on the upcoming financial negotiations between the Anfield board and Newcastle’s owners.

Liverpool

Ryan Gravenberch was absent from Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth after seeing a red card on the last day of the league last season. Gravenberch will return for the upcoming game, as he has now fulfilled his ban. James Frimpong was substituted with a minor hamstring injury against the Cherries. He is expected to be ready for this high-octane clash. Conor Bradley remains sidelined due to an unknown injury.

Managers’ Quotes

N/A

Predicted Lineups

Based on typical selections, summer signings, and context:

Newcastle United (4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1)

GK: Nick Pope

DEF: Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento

MID: Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton

ATT: Barnes, Gordon, Elanga.

Liverpool FC (likely 4-3-3 but fluid)

GK: Alisson Becker

DEF: Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez

Tactical Preview & Key Battles

Midfield Control: Tonali and Guimarães vs Gravenberch and Mac Allister will be critical. Newcastle’s solidity vs. Liverpool’s box-to-box energy sets a central battleground.

Newcastle’s Scenario Without Isak: If Isak is absent (highly likely), Newcastle’s attack loses its focal point, as was evident against Aston Villa. The lack of a proven finisher could hamper transitional attacks, especially against Liverpool’s high defensive line.

Right-back Channel: Frimpong steps into a high-tempo role created by the departure of Alexander-Arnold. Expect Liverpool to press aggressively here. Newcastle must mitigate overlap-ball connections via their full-backs (Trippier) and wingers (Barnes/Elanga).

Set-piece Threat & Physicality: Burn and Schär are aerial threats; opportunities from dead-ball could destabilise Liverpool’s backline, especially early on.

Rotation & Fatigue Management: Slot’s improved rotation strategy may introduce freshness, while Newcastle may lack the “sharpness” due to pre-season struggles.

Psychological Edge: Newcastle carry Cup-final confidence and home advantage; Liverpool bring a title-winning mentality and confidence from their opening win.

Predicted Scoreline

Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool FC

Without Isak, Newcastle’s cutting edge weakens; they’re likely to start a player out of position and struggle without a natural striker. Expect a tight first half with Liverpool edging ahead through midfield control and pressing.

Second half: Liverpool’s depth and adaptability could shine – expect Szoboszlai or Chiesa to make an impact off the bench.

Newcastle to respond via set-piece and resilience, but ultimately Liverpool’s cohesion and quality should prevail.