Newcastle vs Liverpool: Premier League – team news, start time and lineups

Who: Liverpool vs. Newcastle United
What: English Premier League
Where: St James’ Park, Newcastle, United Kingdom
When: Monday, August 25 at 8pm (19:00 GMT)

Follow us for more information: Al Jazeera Sport will be up to date with updates starting at 5:30 PM (15:00 GMT) before our live text commentary stream.

In the midst of a juicy transfer saga in which Liverpool try to lure Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak away, the Reds will play them at home on Monday night.

Due to a conflict between the club and the player, the Swedish striker has been training alone in advance of the new season.

Al Jazeera Sport examines the conflict that places an equal emphasis on off-field issues as they do on-field issues.

What is the most recent information regarding the Isak situation?

Newcastle have so far rejected Liverpool’s efforts. However, Isak has stated on social media that he wants to move to the defending Premier League champions and that he is unhappy with the Magpies for blocking it.

As a result, he has been training with the rest of the Newcastle squad in order to prepare for a rematch of their 2025 victory in the Carabao Cup, which was the Magpies’ first major trophy victory in 70 years.

Isak won’t play on Monday, manager Eddie Howe confirmed. He says there is no personal animosity between the two and that he is hopeful that the Swedish striker, who scored 23 league goals last year, can rejoin the squad.

Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United enter the field before the final game of last season for the club.

He also acknowledges that the club has found it difficult as a result of the ordeal.

For us, it’s a “loss/lose situation,” Howe said to reporters on Friday. “I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation.” We admire Alex in terms of what he has contributed to the football team since he became a player, what he has given, and how professional he has been.

What was Newcastle’s performance in the opening game of the Premier League?

Despite having the majority of chances in the first half, the Magpies were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa to wrap up their campaign.

In their opening match of the Premier League, how did Liverpool perform?

In their season-opening 4-2 home win over Bournemouth, Liverpool dominated at times and appeared vulnerable at others, despite regaining a two-goal lead with Antoine Semenyo’s brace in the second-half.

In stoppage time in the second half, Mo Salah added his first of the year, scoring the final winner in Federico Chiesa’s 88th minute. Hugo Ekikite, a summer signing, helped the Reds to a 2-0 lead with his first goal and an assist.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their fourth goal — Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring against Bournemouth with their fourth goal [Peter Powell/Reuters]

What does Liverpool think of the trip to Newcastle?

Even without the Isak incident, Liverpool manager Arne Slot is aware of the hostile environment in which his side is most likely to encounter.

Nothing to do with anything that is frequently reported in the media, but I believe you can expect something from Newcastle,” Slot said. Last season, we played them three more times, and twice their intensity levels were above ours. They were incredibly intense during the away game, especially the first 60 minutes. They had a point, and they were fully deserved.”