Kick-off: Monday 25 Aug 2025 at 20:00 CEST (19:00 BST)

Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle

Competition: Premier League, Matchday 2

Form & context

Both sides opened the season with wins – Newcastle edged West Ham 2–1 away while Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4‑2. Eddie Howe’s side are physical and direct; Arne Slot’s Reds will look to control possession and break quickly.

Injuries & yellow cards

• Liverpool injuries: Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté left the last match with cramps but should be fit【429609009283439†L56-L67】. Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a hamstring injury【429609009283439†L101-L123】.
• Yellow cards: Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez each have one yellow card so far【913891216553976†L684-L712】. Another booking would see them suspended for the next league match.
• Newcastle injuries: Joelinton (knee) and Joe Willock (calf) are out.

Predicted line-ups

Newcastle (4–3–3): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimarães, Longstaff; Gordon, Isak, Murphy.

Liverpool (4–3–3): Alisson; Alexander‑Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Endo, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Ekitike, Chiesa.

Tactical preview

Newcastle press high and attack quickly down the flanks. Liverpool must be solid in transition; Endo’s positioning will be vital. Set‑piece defending is crucial with Newcastle’s aerial threat.

Key numbers

• Head‑to‑head: Newcastle have lost their last four home league games against Liverpool.
• Prediction model: Liverpool win 55 %, draw 25 %, Newcastle win 20 %.

Score prediction

A tough away test for Liverpool. If they handle the press and take their chances, they should edge it.

Prediction: Newcastle 1 – 2 Liverpool.