Introduction
Monday Night Football returns with a blockbuster clash as Newcastle United host Liverpool at St James’ Park on 25 August 2025. This fixture has all the ingredients of a Premier League classic: two ambitious clubs, world-class players, tactical masterminds on the touchline, and a fierce backdrop of rivalry that stretches back decades.
But this encounter comes with added drama. Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak has been dropped from the squad amid a heated transfer row, while Liverpool are eyeing him as a potential addition to their already formidable attack. This subplot transforms the game from a tactical showdown into a soap opera of football politics, emotions, and shifting power dynamics.
In this comprehensive 3,000-word preview, we’ll analyse every angle of the clash—team news, tactical setups, form guides, betting odds, and what it means for the Premier League title race.
Match Details
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Fixture: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
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Competition: Premier League 2025/26, Matchday 3
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Date: Monday, 25 August 2025
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Kick-Off: 8:00pm BST
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Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
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Broadcast (UK): Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
The Build-Up
Few fixtures in the Premier League calendar carry the intensity of Newcastle vs Liverpool.
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For Liverpool, this game is about asserting dominance early in the season. They have enjoyed a strong start, with their attack clicking under Arne Slot’s guidance. Mohamed Salah remains their talisman, but Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo have added freshness to the frontline.
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For Newcastle, the match is less about form and more about restoring stability amid chaos. The fallout from Isak’s exclusion threatens to overshadow Eddie Howe’s preparations. Yet, Newcastle are a team that thrives on adversity, especially at St James’ Park, where the crowd can lift them to unexpected heights.
This fixture feels bigger than three points—it’s a battle for credibility, momentum, and narrative control.
Newcastle United: Team News & Tactical Outlook
Injury & Suspension Update
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Alexander Isak – unavailable (transfer dispute)
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Joe Willock – fitness test pending
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Fabian Schär – expected to start despite minor knock
Likely Formation
Eddie Howe is expected to stick with a 4-3-3 formation, relying on midfield control and wide play.
Probable Lineup:
Pope (GK); Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Gordon, Elanga, Barnes.
Tactical Approach
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Midfield Battle – Howe will bank on Tonali and Guimarães to dictate tempo, while Joelinton provides physicality.
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Wide Attacks – With Gordon and Barnes stretching Liverpool’s defence, Newcastle will look to exploit spaces left behind Trent Alexander-Arnold or his replacement.
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Set-Piece Threat – With Schär and Botman in the box, Newcastle remain dangerous from corners and free-kicks.
Without Isak, Newcastle lose their cutting edge in front of goal. But Anthony Gordon could be deployed as a false nine, offering pace and movement against Liverpool’s high line.
Liverpool: Team News & Tactical Outlook
Injury & Suspension Update
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Jeremie Frimpong – out (hamstring)
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Joe Gomez – doubtful (Achilles)
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Conor Bradley – returning to training, unlikely to start
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Ryan Gravenberch – available after suspension
Likely Formation
Arne Slot has consistently favoured a 4-3-3 system that morphs into a 4-2-3-1 when attacking.
Probable Lineup:
Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Tactical Approach
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High Pressing – Slot’s Liverpool thrive on turnovers, with Szoboszlai pressing aggressively.
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Attacking Rotation – Salah, Gakpo, and Ekitike interchange roles, making them difficult to mark.
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Midfield Creativity – Gravenberch’s return adds dynamism and allows Mac Allister to push further forward.
Liverpool’s defensive depth is being tested, but their frontline firepower could make the difference.
Head-to-Head Record
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Liverpool dominance – Liverpool are unbeaten in 17 Premier League matches against Newcastle at St James’ Park since 2015.
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Cup redemption – Newcastle did defeat Liverpool in the 2025 EFL Cup final, ending a 69-year domestic trophy drought.
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Last league meeting – Liverpool edged Newcastle 2-1 at Anfield in February 2025, courtesy of a Salah brace.
Historical Context
This fixture recalls classics such as the 1996 “4-3 thriller” at Anfield, cementing its reputation as one of the Premier League’s must-watch rivalries.
Key Battles
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Virgil van Dijk vs Anthony Gordon
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Gordon’s pace vs van Dijk’s positional strength could dictate Newcastle’s counter-attacks.
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Bruno Guimarães vs Dominik Szoboszlai
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A duel of playmakers: Bruno’s composure against Szoboszlai’s drive.
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Kieran Trippier vs Cody Gakpo
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Trippier’s experience tested by Gakpo’s trickery and diagonal runs.
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Midfield Grit
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Joelinton vs Gravenberch promises a physical, box-to-box battle.
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The Alexander Isak Transfer Saga
Isak’s situation is the elephant in the room.
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Reports suggest he is pushing for a transfer to Liverpool, frustrated by what he calls “broken promises” at Newcastle.
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Newcastle’s decision to exclude him entirely from the squad raises questions about player power vs club stability.
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For Liverpool, his potential arrival would further strengthen their attacking depth and weaken a direct rival.
This storyline has turned the fixture into a psychological battleground. Newcastle fans will feel betrayed, while Liverpool supporters will be curious to see if their club finalises the move.
Predictions & Betting Odds
Current Odds (as of matchday morning)
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Liverpool win: 5/4
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Draw: 11/4
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Newcastle win: 12/5
Goal Markets
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Over 2.5 goals: 8/11
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Both teams to score: 4/7
Player Specials
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Hugo Ekitike to score anytime: 9/4
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Anthony Gordon first goalscorer: 15/2
Expert Prediction
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Expect a tight but entertaining clash, with Liverpool’s superior finishing power edging it.
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Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
Premier League Implications
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Liverpool: A win keeps them firmly in the early title race, alongside Manchester City and Arsenal.
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Newcastle: Defeat could deepen the crisis, with questions mounting over Howe’s ability to manage star egos.
Both clubs are pushing to consolidate Champions League qualification, making every point vital.
How to Watch in the UK
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TV: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League
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Stream: Sky Go app, NOW TV (with Sports Pass)
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Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live commentary
Kick-off: 8:00pm BST
Conclusion
The Newcastle United vs Liverpool Monday Night Football showdown is far more than a routine league fixture. It’s a story of ambition, controversy, and Premier League drama at its peak.
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For Newcastle, it’s about resilience without Isak and proving they can challenge the top clubs despite off-field turbulence.
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For Liverpool, it’s about consolidating their title credentials, demonstrating squad depth, and perhaps showcasing the player they could soon sign.
Whatever the outcome, this clash will shape the narrative of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Expect intensity, controversy, and maybe even a classic under the floodlights of St James’ Park.