With a high profile transfer saga and a storied cup final replay in the rearview mirror, the opening game of the season could become more than a mere three points and it could be a chance to exact revenge tempered by recent history. All eyes will be on St James Park on 25th August 2025 as Liverpool plays Newcastle, the current Premier League champions going head to head with Newcastle has all the makings of a classic. The captivating drama that surrounds this Premier League fixture has reached a boiling point.

There is something for both sides to prove in this encounter. For Newcastle, it is a matter of kick-starting their season after a frustrating opening weekend. For Liverpool, it is a test of their title defense away from home early on, and a chance to show their new-look team can handle the heat in one of the league's most hostile environments.

• Date: Monday, August 25, 2025

• Kick-off Time: 19:00 UTC

• Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England

• Competition: Premier League (Matchday 2)

Newcastle's season got underway with a goalless draw at Aston Villa in a result that was two points dropped despite a solid defensive performance. Though they fashioned numerous chances, they could not find a way to turn their superiority into a goal and mark a possible concern in the absence of their prolific striker. Nevertheless, the result continued their good recent home record against the leading sides from last term.

The Magpies will be hoping to replicate the heroics of their last meeting with Liverpool in a cup tie, when they clinched their first big domestic honor in 70 years. They have a tactical blueprint on how to break Liverpool's rhythm in addition to a psychological advantage from their 2-1 victory in the 2025 Carabao Cup final. A win here would not only be a huge statement but would ease the nerves of a fanbase who have witnessed a chaotic summer unfold.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot's reign got off to a flier in a pulsating 4-2 victory at home to AFC Bournemouth. The Reds' revamped attack was on fire, with Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz both getting off the mark straight away. The defense was shaky at times, however, which will be a worry for a title contender. They will need to be tighter against the Newcastle side famous for their speed and toxicity on the counter.

Liverpool's trip to St. James' Park is one of their toughest fixtures by tradition. Last season's 3-3 draw at this venue was a crazy, end-to-end affair that summed up all that this rivalry is about. The champions will need to show that they can combine their attacking flair with the defensive grit to grind out a result in a high-pressure away game.

Recent meetings between these two clubs have been nothing short of box office entertainment. Although the league record is decidedly in Liverpool's favor, Newcastle's cup victory last season adds a new dimension to this rivalry.

• Newcastle United have not beaten Liverpool in the Premier League since a 2-0 home win all the way back in December 2015.

• The last three league meetings have produced a total of 14 goals, promising another goal-fest.

• Nine red cards have been shown in the last 26 meetings, testimony to the fiery nature of this rivalry.

The biggest team news headline for this meeting is undoubtedly Newcastle's star striker Alexander Isak's unavailability. The Swedish forward is reportedly training away from the group amidst an ongoing transfer saga, with Liverpool being the prime suitors. This creates a large void in the Magpies' attack that they will try to fill with the pace and creativity of other players. On the plus side, Joe Willock has perhaps recovered from his calf problem, and new signing Jacob Ramsey may be ready for his debut.

Liverpool, for their part, will be without new signing Jeremie Frimpong, who is suffering from a hamstring problem. The defender's absence is a problem for manager Arne Slot, who may have to play either Dominik Szoboszlai or Wataru Endo out of position at right-back, with Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley still uncertainties. The rest of the squad is fully fit, however, with new forward Hugo Ekitike looking to continue his good start to life in England.

The tactical battle on the pitch will be a fascinating clash of styles. Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, will most likely sit in a compact defensive block and hit Liverpool with lightning quickly on the counterattack. Their trio in midfield of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton is one of the most well-rounded in the league and will be tasked with disrupting Liverpool's rhythm. Their ability to win the ball back in dangerous areas and quickly transition into attack will be key, especially with the speed of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga.

For Liverpool, the focus will be on their intense pressing game and ingenuity. Liverpool's new front two of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz will be tasked with attempting to get in behind Newcastle's high defensive line. Much will also depend on whether Liverpool's center-backs, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, can handle Newcastle's quick transitions. One area Liverpool will look to exploit is their left flank, were Milos Kerkez, after a nervy debut, will come up against the likes of Anthony Elanga, making for an intriguing battle for both sides.

Winner Odds:

• Newcastle United FC win: 3.10

• Liverpool FC win: 2.19

• Draw: 3.80

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All the ingredients are in place for a classic encounter with the electric St. James' Park atmosphere and the added tension and emotion of the Isak transfer drama. Liverpool's attack has already proved how potent it is, while their defense has shown that it is far from impenetrable. All the ingredients are in place for a goal fest.

As much as Newcastle's home advantage and desire to make a statement would love to see them spring an upset, Liverpool's attacking potency, for all its defensive vulnerabilities, offers the fulcrum. They have a way of somehow getting better of the Magpies in the league, and the class of Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah up front could just be enough to break down an obstinate Newcastle outfit.

• Final Score Prediction: Newcastle United 2-3 Liverpool

This game will be a true test of character for both sides. The question for Liverpool is whether they can manage the defensive aspect of the game. The question for Newcastle is whether they can compete with the top teams in the league without their star striker. The result of this match can shape the remainder of the season for both squads.