Preview: Newcastle host Liverpool with the Isak situation unresolved
Drama and goals are inevitable as Newcastle host Liverpool at St. James’ Park.
By Filip Mishov
Premier League’s biggest transfer saga set to transpire on the pitch
Newcastle’s tug-of-war with Liverpool’s top target, Alexander Isak continues, through official statements and counterstatements, and the dragged-out saga only adds fuel to the fire ahead of the blockbuster clash at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies began the season with an uninspiring goalless draw at Villa Park, although one that could have been easily turned into a win if Eddie Howe had a single senior striker at his disposal, given both Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could not convert their clear-cut chances.
Unlike the PIF-owned club, Liverpool boast a squad full of elite firepower already and the quality of their attack was on display in the season opening 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, with all three starting forwards plus Federico Chiesa finding the back of the net. However, the Reds’ defence remains a concern for Arne Slot, as his new wing-backs will need time to adapt and settle in the role expected of them.
With that being said, the reigning 20-time champions of England are itching to avenge the EFL Cup final defeat from last season, while Newcastle are chasing their first home win against the Merseyside club since 2015.
Key players
Florian Wirtz put in an impressive physical performance on his Premier League debut, covering 11km and running 8.3 km or 75% of the time spent on the pitch before getting substituted after 82 minutes, but ultimately, the German prodigy will be judged on his attacking output this season. Hence, the toughest physical test of the season probably awaits him, when the 22-year-old comes up against Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
Given Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong‘s unconvincing debuts, defensively speaking at least, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga’s pace and flair are set to be Newcastle’s main threat against Arne Slot’s radical high line, especially on the break, with the electric Englishman and Swede making 23 sprints each and recording top speeds
over 35 km/h in the opening round.
Team news
Jacob Ramsey‘s arrival provides Eddie Howe with a new attacking option, although still not one filling the void up top, but the 24-year-old is projected to go straight into the squad after completing his move from Aston Villa. Joseph Willock is back in training and apart from Alexander Isak’s absence, everyone else is ready and the English coach is expected to field an unchanged starting XI.
The Reds’ ability to outscore almost any opponent is quite admirable, but their poor defensive shapes left them exposed against the Cherries, and given Newcastle’s strength in the middle of the pitch, Arne Slot is expected to make at least a couple of changes, with Ryan Gravenberch coming in to add physical presence, possibly replacing Alexis Mac Allister. Furthermore, Jeremie Frimpong is ruled out with a hamstring injury and with Conor Bradley nearing a return, but not fully fit to start, Joseph Gomez is expected to feature at right back.
Prediction
If Newcastle are to surprise Liverpool, Eddie Howe must find a way to stop Mohamed Salah first, as the three-time PFA Players’ Player of the Year has scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists against them. The Reds are the clear favourites, and even though frenetic night awaits them at St. James’ Park, I still believe they possess the quality to come out as winners.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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