| Liverpool vs Newcastle | |
| MATCH | Premier League |
| DATE | 23 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 09.00 PM IST |
| STADIUM | St. James Park |
Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Match Preview
Newcastle United begin another season of major change when they welcome Liverpool to St James' Park, with the Magpies hoping to put a disappointing 2025-26 campaign behind them.
Newcastle endured a turbulent summer, with Eddie Howe departing alongside several key players, including Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. Despite the club's huge investment since the 2021 takeover, Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season, their lowest position in several years.
The club have now turned to 38-year-old coach Matthias Jaissle, who arrives with an impressive trophy-winning record from his previous spells with Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli.
Newcastle's preparations for the new campaign have been inconsistent. They suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Bristol City before beating Valencia, while further losses against Everton and Bayer Leverkusen were followed by a draw with Strasbourg.
Defensive uncertainty remains a concern, with Newcastle scoring and conceding in each of their last four pre-season matches. They have also found the net and conceded in seven consecutive Premier League home games, putting them on the verge of matching a club record.
There are, however, reasons for optimism. Newcastle have avoided defeat in each of their last four Premier League opening-day fixtures, while Jaissle has won his first match in charge at each of his previous three clubs.
Liverpool Begin New Chapter
Liverpool also enter the season with a new manager at the helm, as Andoni Iraola takes over from Arne Slot.
Iraola arrives with expectations of restoring the energetic, high-intensity football that became synonymous with Liverpool during the Jurgen Klopp era. His Bournemouth side enjoyed an impressive spell last season, including an 18-match unbeaten Premier League run that helped secure European football.
Liverpool's pre-season produced mixed results, but their final two matches against Como ended with clean sheets. Across six friendlies, the Reds scored 20 goals, showing plenty of attacking promise.
Liverpool also have an excellent record in Premier League opening-day fixtures, avoiding defeat in their last 13. Iraola will also be encouraged by his personal record against Newcastle, having never lost to them in the top flight.
The Reds won this fixture 3-2 last season in a dramatic encounter and will be looking to repeat that result at St James' Park.
Team News
Newcastle will be without Joelinton, who is expected to miss several weeks with a groin injury. His absence could give new signing Sean Steur or Aladji Bamba an opportunity to make their full debut.
Tino Livramento remains sidelined with a calf problem, meaning Amar Dedic could start at right-back.
Lukas Hornicek is also expected to make his Premier League debut in goal. Yoane Wissa should operate in an advanced role, with Newcastle's attacking options likely to include Nick Woltemade.
Liverpool continue to deal with several injury concerns. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike remain unavailable, while Joe Gomez is recovering from a muscular problem suffered during pre-season.
Curtis Jones has also been dealing with a hip issue and is reportedly close to a move away from Anfield.
With Alexis Mac Allister only recently returning to full training, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai could form Liverpool's midfield partnership. Youngster Rio Ngumoha is expected to provide an attacking option while Mohamed Salah is unavailable.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool Prediction
Both teams are undergoing significant changes, making this an intriguing opening fixture. Newcastle's home advantage and strong record on the opening weekend should give them confidence, but Liverpool's attacking quality and impressive record against the Magpies could prove decisive.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool
