Newcastle vs Liverpool LIVE: Elanga fires hosts in front after emotional Kevin Keegan tributes | OneFootball

(Reuters)

Newcastle host Liverpool in the Premier League’s late kick off this afternoon with both clubs having undergone managerial changes in the summer break.

Eddie Howe departed as Newcastle boss following the sales of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon with his replacement Matthias Jaissle tasked with rebuilding the team this season. He faces a difficult opener with the Magpies winless in their last 19 top-flight encounters with Liverpool, though regime change at Anfield as well could present an opportunity to end that run.

Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool having replaced Arne Slot. He will be hoping to bring the best out of Alexander Isak, who faces a hostile return to St James’ Park, and Florian Wirtz who underperformed in their first season with the Reds while also figuring out how exactly Liverpool can replace Mohamed Salah who has departed for Turkey. Iraola has himself admitted his squad was “thin” in some areas.

It is also set to be an emotional afternoon at St James’ Park as Newcastle and Liverpool join together to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, who was a legendary figure at both clubs. Keegan passed away in July at the age of 75 and fans of both clubs will pay tribute before kick-off.