A fiery backdrop at St James’ Park
Newcastle United’s first home game of the campaign already carried plenty of weight – bank holiday atmosphere, defending champions Liverpool in town – but the Alexander Isak saga has transformed it into a contest with added spice. With the striker having declared his wish to join Liverpool, the Geordie crowd will be in no mood to soften the welcome.
Eddie Howe urged his players to stay focused yet use the energy of the stadium, where his side has built a formidable record against the Premier League’s traditional elite. Newcastle went unbeaten at home last season in eight matches against Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs.
Wor Flags and fan tension
Supporters’ group Wor Flags are preparing another pre-match display despite acknowledging mixed feelings about Isak’s situation. “It feels absolutely huge,” said volunteer Thomas Concannon. “There’s way more riding on it than just three points.” The aim is to back the players on the pitch, even as uncertainty over Isak’s future lingers.
Ekitike in the spotlight
The timing of Hugo Ekitike’s Liverpool debut at St James’ Park could hardly be more symbolic. Newcastle had tried to sign him three times over the past three years, with Eddie Howe long admiring the French striker’s movement, aerial ability and finishing. But Ekitike chose a £69m move to Liverpool, having already impressed at Eintracht Frankfurt after leaving PSG.
Former Reims coach Oscar Garcia praised his versatility: effective both on the counter-attack and in possession-heavy teams. For Newcastle, missing out on both Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko has complicated their striker plans, especially after Callum Wilson’s departure.
Isak transfer cloud remains
Liverpool’s rejected £110m bid for Isak set the tone for the saga, with Newcastle insisting the “conditions” for a sale have not been met. Without securing replacements, Howe’s side cannot afford to let him leave before the 1 September deadline. Still, speculation persists that Liverpool could return with an improved offer, forcing Newcastle to consider.
Slot braces for intensity
Arne Slot, preparing for his first trip to St James’ as Liverpool manager, knows what awaits. “If you go to Newcastle, you know what to expect,” he said. He recalled their clashes last season where Newcastle’s intensity overwhelmed Liverpool, including in the Carabao Cup final. For Slot, the media noise around Isak matters less than the challenge of surviving Newcastle’s relentless pressure on home soil.
This clash has become more than just an early-season league fixture – it is wrapped in transfer drama, fan emotion and the question of whether Newcastle can withstand losing their star striker or Liverpool can finally prise him away.
