The Premier League spotlight returns to St James' Park on Monday, August 25 as Newcastle United host Liverpool in their first home test of the season.
The Magpies earned a goalless draw in their opener at Aston Villa, while the champions began life under pressure with a dramatic win over Bournemouth at Anfield.
Eddie Howe is aiming to steady his side while the situation around Alexander Isak remains unresolved and the striker's absence has created plenty of noise off the pitch, with links to Liverpool dominating headlines and overshadowing preparations.
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On the positive side, Newcastle have completed the signing of Jacob Ramsey. The deal for the Aston Villa midfielder was finalized for an initial £39 million ($52m). They have also avoided fresh injury setbacks and key figures like Bruno Guimaraes are available, which will give some hope to the Magpies manager.
On the other hand, the Reds travel north on the back of a strong attacking display in their first league outing, but defensive issues have already emerged.
Injury problems at right-back could force Arne Slot into some creativity in his lineup choices, although he can at least welcome back
Newcastle United vs. Liverpool lineups: Starting XI, team news, injury latest
Newcastle were handed a timely lift ahead of Monday's clash after Joe Willock returned to full training, and he appears on the bench. The midfielder had been missing since suffering a lower leg problem during preseason against a K-League XI.
The bigger talking point remains the future of Alexander Isak. The striker set social media alight on Tuesday with a post explaining his absence from the PFA awards, while also revealing his frustration with the club. That effectively ruled him out of selection for this match, especially since he had already been omitted from the draw at Aston Villa.
Elsewhere, there are no fresh injuries to report, and Newcastle should line up with their usual defensive pairing of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, while Malick Thiaw waits for the place in starting XI. New signing Jacob Ramsey is in the squad.
Newcastle starting lineup (4-3-3): Pope (GK) — Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento — Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton — Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Newcastle subs: Ramsdale (GK), Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Osula, Murphy, Willock, Ramsey, Miley.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Isak
Liverpool head to St James' Park with concerns at right-back after Jeremie Frimpong came off against Bournemouth with hamstring discomfort. He is expected to be out until after the September international break.
With Conor Bradley only able to make the bench and oft-injured Joe Gomez not yet fully fit for action, it is Dominik Szoboszlai who takes over at the position for the time being.
Elsewhere, Arne Slot will be relieved to welcome Ryan Gravenberch back into his squad after serving a one-match suspension. The midfielder, who also welcomed a first child with Cindy Peroti, partners with Curtis Jones in midfield as Alexis Mac Allister does not appear in the squad, needing more time to reach peak fitness after a limited preseason.
Liverpool starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson (GK) — Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez — Gravenberch, Jones — Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo — Ekitike.
Liverpool subs: Mamardashvili (GK), Gomez, Leoni, Bradley, Robertson, Endo, Elliott, Chiesa, Ngumoha.
Injured: Frimpong (hamstring).
Suspended: None.
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Newcastle United vs. Liverpool match details
- Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Kickoff time: 5:00 a.m. AEST
- TV/Stream: Stan Sport
- Location: St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Simon Hooper
- VAR: John Brooks