Newcastle vs Liverpool live: Premier League sides clash amid ongoing Alexander Isak saga | OneFootball

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Eddie Howe confirms Alexander Isak absence for Newcastle's game against Liverpool

Newcastle United host Liverpool in the Premier League in Monday Night Football tonight, with the champions expecting a fervent atmosphere as they travel to St James’ Park.

There’ll be plenty of boos for Arne Slot’s side among the protracted saga regarding the future of Alexander Isak, with the Reds’ capture of Hugo Ekitike also a cause for dissent among the home fans.

Liverpool began the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth in a performance that was impressive despite some shaky moments, though they travel up north looking to lay down a marker for their title rivals.

Meanwhile, the Magpies started their 25/26 campaign with a disappointing draw at Aston Villa, and while Eddie Howe’s side still need to make several additions before the transfer window closes, tonight St James’ can provide the helping hand as it did in the 3-3 draw last season.

Head-to-head record

These two sides have met 190 times in the past, with the first meeting dating back to 1893.

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool have the better of the head-to-head record, having won 94 matches.

Newcastle have won 51, while 45 have ended as draws.

Mike Jones25 August 2025 18:30

Alexander Isak has destabilised Newcastle and now Liverpool can inflict further damage

Arne Slot wasn’t really talking about Alexander Isak. Eddie Howe won’t be picking Alexander Isak. Isak isn’t happy with Newcastle. Newcastle aren’t happy with Isak or Liverpool.

Newcastle don’t have a striker to start but the player operating instead of one could have gone to Liverpool last summer. Liverpool do have a striker and he is one Newcastle tried to sign this summer. The Alexander Isak derby will not feature Isak, but will be framed around him.

Not so much by Slot, who got through a 15-minute press conference with a solitary, late mention of the forward he has tried to buy, but by the wider world.

Isak has destabilised Newcastle and now Liverpool can inflict further damage

Newcastle host Liverpool on Monday night, a fixture framed by the striker who has dominated the summer transfer window

Chris Wilson25 August 2025 18:24

Slot on 'amazing' atmosphere expected at St. James Park

More from the Liverpool boss who says that Newcastle will get a boost from the ‘amazing’ atmosphere inside the stadium tonight and likened it to the one at Anfield last week.

“The atmosphere is amazing [is] because the players can perform, they can add to the atmosphere by being as intense as they were, bringing the quality as they brought in that game,” Slot said.

“So, that's going to be the challenge. The challenge is also playing in a stadium where the fans will be there for the home team, and that always helps every home team.

“I can tell you about us, so the last 15 to 20 minutes at Anfield, it wasn't a coincidence that we scored twice because the fans helped us in that moment of time.”

'One of the most difficult away games'

Arne Slot isn’t taking this match for granted and knows that Newcastle possess the ability to hurt his Liverpool team as evidenced in the League Cup final last season.

Speaking about what he expects from tonight’s match Slot said: “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 League Cup final, they were more intense than us so I don't think they need anything to add for them to be intense if they play at St. James' Park.

“Apart from the intensity, it's a very good team, they have also a team that can make it a fight, they have players for this but they also have players that are so comfortable on the ball.

“So, one of the best teams in the league and one of the most difficult away games you can have in the season, especially as you say here, 'under the lights'.”

Slot expects a tough contest against Newcastle (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)

Slot on importance of Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch is expected to start tonight’s match for Liverpool after missing their opener due to suspension.

Arne Slot revealed why he is an important for the team and how his inclusion can help Liverpool be more solid.

“I think a lot. At least if he is the same player as he was last season, that could help us a lot,” Slot explained.

“If you just simply look at the second goal we conceded [against Bournemouth], they could just go from one side from the 18-yard box to the other side without being attacked, which was smart because Virgil [van Dijk] and Ibou [Konate] needed to go back because it was a four-versus-two situation.

“I think if you look back at last season and every single time he played, Ryan would have been in that position and for him not being there and us playing with very good players but very attack-minded players, that hurt us in that goal, for example, and that wasn't the first time where we lacked a player in that position on a counter-attack for the other team.

“Normally, if he brings his normal level, it would definitely help us to have him back again.”

(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Mike Jones25 August 2025 18:06