Isak continues to strike as Newcastle take on Liverpool at St. James' Park

Matchday two of the Premier League sees Newcastle welcome Liverpool to St. James' Park. The Magpies remain without their star man Isak, while the defending champions have a new look attack spearheaded by marquee signing Ekitike.

Eddie Howe’s side played a goalless draw in their last league game against Aston Villa despite playing with a man advantage for over half an hour.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s side left it late against Bournemouth, with unlikely substitute Federico Chiesa putting the Reds 3-2 ahead with two to play before Salah added a fourth in stoppage time to seal the win.   

Given recent history and the quality on display by both sides, this match is almost guaranteed to produce goals. Newcastle's formidable home record will be put to the ultimate test against a Liverpool side that possesses a remarkable head-to-head dominance in this fixture. 

• Newcastle:  L D D L D

• Liverpool: W W W D W

• Liverpool are undefeated in their last 15 Premier League matches against Newcastle, a run of dominance stretching back to 2015.

• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of the last 9 meetings between these two clubs in all competitions.

Expert score prediction for this game is Newcastle 1-3 Liverpool. Newcastle are a formidable team at St. James' Park but Liverpool’s firepower will be too much for them to handle. 

I expect the home side to huff and puff, but Liverpool's attacking quality will give them the edge over the Magpies. Newcastle have a goalscoring problem especially with Isak still on strike and no resolution in sight, they stand no chance against Liverpool’s front three of Ekitite, Salah, and Gakpo. 

• Liverpool have won three and drawn just one in their last four consecutive visits to St. James' Park.

• Both teams have scored in four of the last six meetings between Newcastle and Liverpool.

• The last time Newcastle kept a clean sheet against Liverpool was in a 0-0 draw in December 2020.

• Newcastle: 3.35

• Draw: 3.80

• Liverpool: 2.00

For Newcastle United, the only worry is Joseph Willock who is out with an ankle injury and doubtful to face Liverpool. However, the major headache for Eddie Howe remains striker Alexander Isak who is unavailable, as he continues to push for a move to Liverpool.

New signing Jeremie Frimpong who was brought in as replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold is out with a hamstring injury sustained in the Bournemouth game. Stefan Bajcetic is also suffering from a hamstring injury while Conor Bradley is doubtful with a muscle injury.

The front three of Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Cody Gakpo are all fit and firing, with new signing Florian Wirtz pulling strings in the middle of the pack. Ryan Gravenberch is also back to provide defensive solidity in midfield having missed the last game through suspension. 

Newcastle Predicted Lineup: Pope; Trippier, Schär, Livramento, Burn; Joelinton, Guimarães, Tonali; Elanga, Barnes, Gordon

Liverpool Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Joe Gomez, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch,Wirtz; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike

• Tip 1 - Result: Liverpool straight win

• Tip 2 - Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals

• Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes

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