The Daily Star Ireland
Newcastle United, lifted into a new era since their 2021 takeover, have enjoyed three strong seasons capped by a 4th-place finish in 2023 and a return to the Champions League after placing 5th last season. They edged Aston Villa on goal difference to secure their spot and added silverware to their resurgence by winning the League Cup final against Liverpool, their first major trophy since 1969.
Despite these successes, the Magpies enter the new campaign under pressure. Their preseason form was shaky, with two draws and four defeats, including a 0-2 loss to Atlético Madrid. The pattern continued into the Premier League opener, where they were held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa, even after playing with a man advantage for more than 30 minutes.
Liverpool’s Strong Foundations Under Arne Slot
After the departure of long-serving boss Jürgen Klopp last summer, many expected Liverpool to falter. Instead, under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds dominated the Premier League, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal to reclaim the title. Their league form was consistent throughout, even if their cup record showed cracks. Liverpool were eliminated by PSG in the Champions League Round of 16 and fell short in the League Cup final against Newcastle.
The new season has already seen highs and lows. Liverpool lost the Community Shield to Crystal Palace on penalties after a 2-2 draw but quickly bounced back with a 4-2 league win over Bournemouth. Goals from Salah, Chiesa, Gakpo, and new signing Ekitike underlined their attacking depth.
Transfer Market Movements
Newcastle have been cautious with their spending despite Saudi ownership. Several long-serving players departed, including Sean Longstaff (Leeds), Callum Wilson (West Ham), and goalkeeper Dubravka (Burnley). Incomings included Elanga from Nottingham Forest, who adds pace and creativity to an already dangerous forward line of Murphy, Barnes, and Gordon. Yet, the transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak (23 goals, 6 assists last season) has unsettled the club. The Swedish striker wants to leave, with Liverpool circling, but Newcastle remain firm in blocking his exit. His absence against Aston Villa was glaring, and he is expected to miss this fixture as well.
Liverpool, meanwhile, experienced a more turbulent summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid, Luis DÃaz joined Bayern Munich, and Darwin Núñez signed with Al-Hilal. In their place, the Reds invested heavily in Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), Hugo Ekitike (Frankfurt), and Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), though Frimpong is sidelined by injury. Salah, who extended his stay after a 29-goal, 18-assist campaign, remains the team’s talisman.
Tragically, Liverpool also lost forward Diogo Jota, who passed away this summer, a loss felt deeply within the squad. Defensive rocks Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté provide stability at the back, while new signings aim to soften the blow of key departures.
Prediction
Both sides enter this clash with different priorities: Newcastle searching for stability amid off-field uncertainty, and Liverpool looking to defend their crown with renewed firepower.
Recent patterns suggest Liverpool hold the edge. The Reds have drawn four of their last five competitive fixtures but often find ways to come out on top, while Newcastle have shown inconsistency, recording four draws in their last seven league outings.
Prediction: Newcastle 1:3 Liverpool
