The Alexander Isak transfer saga has dominated the summer, with Liverpool pursuing the Swedish striker in a deal that could break the British transfer record. With Isak refusing to feature for Newcastle, the atmosphere at St. James’ Park on Monday night promises to be charged and hostile.

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Arne Slot’s Respect for Newcastle’s Intensity

Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the challenge of facing Eddie Howe’s side, praising their relentless style of play.

“I think if you go to Newcastle you know what to expect. We played them three times last season and twice their intensity levels were above ours. In the away game, especially in the first 60 minutes, they were so, so, so intense and fully deserved to have the lead. In the League Cup final, they were more intense than us as well. So, I don’t think they need anything extra to play with intensity at St. James’ Park.”

Slot also highlighted Newcastle’s quality across the pitch, particularly in midfield and attack.

“The main thing we have to be ready for are their midfielders, their last line, their three forwards, although I assume – I’m not sure but I assume – [Alexander] Isak is not playing from what I read in the media.”

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Liverpool’s Strong Record at St James’ Park

Despite the hostile environment, Liverpool travel north with confidence. The Reds are unbeaten at Newcastle since 2015, recording five wins and three draws in that period.

Last season’s clash was a thriller, with Mohamed Salah’s excellence pulling the Reds level, then in-front. Despite his brilliance, Fabian Schär struck in stoppage time to seal a dramatic 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park.

Darwin Núñez enjoyed memorable moments against Newcastle, finding the net on his first appearance at St. James’ Park in a 2-0 victory, then a late brace with ten men to steal three points a year later.

New heroes may be required this time, but Liverpool know how to deliver in the north east.

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Mohamed Salah’s Stunning Record Against Newcastle

Mohamed Salah has been a constant tormentor of the Magpies. The Egyptian has been directly involved in 18 Premier League goals against Newcastle—ten goals and eight assists.

Remarkably, Salah has provided an assist in each of his last six appearances against them, the only player ever to achieve that against a single club in the competition’s history. In fact, Salah has scored or assisted 11 of Liverpool’s last 15 Premier League goals against Newcastle.

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Newcastle’s Pre-Season Struggles

Newcastle’s preparations for the new campaign have been far from ideal. The Magpies went winless in pre-season, failing to score in three of their six matches. Their struggles without Isak have been stark, with no goals in their last four Premier League games when the striker has been absent.

Most recently, they drew 0-0 away at Aston Villa, despite playing against ten men for over half an hour after Ezri Konsa’s dismissal.

However, Eddie Howe’s side can take encouragement from history. Under his management, Newcastle have won their opening home fixture of the season in all three previous campaigns.

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Team News

Liverpool will be without Jeremie Frimpong after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the opening-day win over Bournemouth. He is expected to remain sidelined until after the international break. Conor Bradley is fit again but unlikely to play 90 minutes. Joe Gomez is expected to return to the side, however did miss training earlier in the week.

Newcastle will once again be without Alexander Isak, who has been frozen out amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him with Liverpool. In more positive news, Joe Willock has returned to full fitness ahead of schedule, while new signing Jacob Ramsey could make his debut after joining from Aston Villa, though he may start on the bench.