A classic Premier League fixtures kicks off the new Premier League campaign for Newcastle United and Liverpool as they lock horns at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Drama is never far from view when these sides collide, as evidenced by last year’s meetings. Liverpool’s trip to Tyneside culminated in a 100th-minute winner against their 10-man hosts scored by teenager Rio Ngumoha, while the reverse fixture saw the Reds come from behind to win 4–1.

Andoni Iraola would take a triumph of any description on his competitive debut as Liverpool manager, but it’s hardly the simplest opener for the Spaniard. No matter the result, he will demand an energetic display built on intense pressing—the strategy he perfected while masterminding Bournemouth’s ascent.

Newcastle were renowned for their industrious performances under Eddie Howe, but things are set to change with Matthias Jaissle now in the dugout. The German has been dealt a difficult hand on arrival, too, with his roster missing summer departees Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.

Liverpool will seek to take advantage of a Newcastle side searching for a fresh identity without its superstars. Whether they can hold their nerve and overcome a raucous home crowd remains to be seen.

Newcastle vs. Liverpool Score Prediction

Chaotic Affair Ends All Square

Judging by Liverpool’s preseason performances, a fun campaign lies ahead for the club’s supporters. Iraola’s men scored two or more in four of their friendly games and swiftly installed a more aggressive, attack-minded approach under their new coach.

The issues will come at the other end of the field. Sloppy defending twice saw Liverpool surrender two-goal cushions in defeat and the lack of depth in their backline could create some conundrums as the campaign progresses—and, of course, against Newcastle.

The Magpies have endured a dismal summer on and off the pitch, and they were victorious in just one of six friendlies. A draw with Gateshead and 4–1 defeat to Bristol City set the tone, with recent defeats to Everton and Bayer Leverkusen exacerbating their woes.

There could be teething problems for Jaissle with a new-look squad, but there have been some quietly impressive signings on Tyneside. A host of debutants should feature against Liverpool in a match that appears set to follow in the footsteps of its chaotic predecessors.

• Goals galore: It’s hardly a hot take to suggest we could see a flurry of strikes at St James’ Park. There were 10 goals in two matches between the sides last season, meaning the teams have now shared 30 goals across their last seven meetings in all competitions.
• Defensive issues: Last season under Arne Slot, Liverpool shipped a staggering 53 goals in the Premier League—more than 16th-placed Nottingham Forest. Fans will hope for improvements under Iraola, but those will take time, potentially resulting in a frenetic start to his reign.
• Alexander Isak returns: A hostile reception awaits the Sweden international as he returns to Tyneside for the first time since last summer’s bitter exit. After a disastrous debut season, he’s looking to kick off his second term in style, and should be confident after four goal involvements at the World Cup.

Prediction: Newcastle 2–2 Liverpool

Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Newcastle are still attempting to piece together their best XI after this summer’s exodus, but Jaissle knows he will be without Joelinton and Tino Livramento for his official dugout debut. Joe Willock is also a doubt after picking up a groin injury in last weekend’s friendly with Strasbourg.

In the absence of Livramento, new recruit Amar Dedić should be called upon for his debut after recently signing from Benfica. The right back worked with Jaissle in Austria at FC Liefering and RB Salzburg.

There is a decision to make between the posts, with two new signings competing with Nick Pope for the No.1 jersey. Lukáš Horníček, who was signed from Braga, should get the nod, while there could be first outings for Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur in midfield.

Bazoumana Touré might make his debut on the wing, while Yoane Wissa could feature in behind William Osula elsewhere in the forward line.

Newcastle predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Horníček; Dedić, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Bamba, Ramsey; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle

Isak will spearhead an intriguing front four on his return to Newcastle, with Cody Gakpo lining up on the left, Florian Wirtz at No.10 and Ngumoha on the right wing.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch will start in the double pivot, with Alexis Mac Allister only making the bench. Curtis Jones won’t be involved in the roster at all as he closes in on a move to Serie A champions Inter.

New signings Jérémy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo will compete for a place next to Virgil van Dijk in the defense, but the fullback positions are nailed. Jeremie Frimpong will play on right with Conor Bradley injured, while Milos Kerkez will feature on the opposite side. Alisson starts in goal for his ninth season with Liverpool.

New recruit Victor Muñoz, whose move to Newcastle was hijacked at the last minute by Liverpool, could earn his debut off the bench, but the likes of Hugo Ekitiké, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez are all sidelined with injuries.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

What Time Does Newcastle vs. Liverpool Kick Off?

• Location: Newcastle, England
• Stadium: St James’ Park
• Date: Sunday, Aug. 23
• Kick-off Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. BST
• Referee: Stuart Attwell
• VAR: James Bell

How to Watch Newcastle vs. Liverpool on TV, Live Stream