Newcastle United will come face-to-face with Liverpool striker Alexander Isak for the first time in January.
Isak invoked the ire of Newcastle United supporters by ditching the club to move to Liverpool in September.
Both parties have moved on, for now. Indeed, Newcastle have a new hero with Nick Woltemade, while Isak is trying to make an impact at Anfield.
Still, the first time Newcastle play against Isak (barring an FA Cup draw) will bring up some powerful feelings.
The Sweden star, despite all of his success under Eddie Howe, ruined his legacy at the club and will no doubt be reminded of that when Newcastle play Liverpool in January.
Now, a new time has been set – and it makes it all the more dramatic.
Alexander Isak gestures during Liverpool's Premier League game against Manchester United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Liverpool vs Newcastle United given new kick-off time
On Thursday, the club confirmed that the game’s kick-off time had been moved.
The fixture will take place on Saturday, 31 January 2025, and had originally been scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off time at Anfield.
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However, the clash has – perhaps unsurprisingly – been selected for TV coverage by TNT Sports. It will now take place under the lights on Merseyside at 8pm GMT.
That makes it all the more dramatic and atmospheric. The Saturday night slot isn’t always the most popular but it does make things even spicier, particularly given the ill-feeling towards the striker.
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How Eddie Howe feels about Alexander Isak after Newcastle United exit
Howe has admitted that his relationship with Isak did “change” after the striker forced his way out of the club.
In September, Howe told a press conference: “Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship.
“I loved working with him. I hope he enjoyed working with us.
“It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player he in part is today and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones and was part of a very successful team.
"I think the moment that he went on strike, our relationship did change."
Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak forcing his move through from Newcastle to Liverpool pic.twitter.com/XO0VdkiQsr
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 12, 2025
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“The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was probably a turning point in our relationship.”
Newcastle insiders think Isak has looked frustrated at Liverpool and there’s little doubt that things haven’t gone to plan since his move.
Newcastle United’s Premier League finishes under Eddie Howe. Will he claim his highest yet this season?
2021-22: 11th
2022-23: 4th
2023-24: 7th
2025-25: 5th
He has just one goal in eight games and is yet to look fully fit, largely because of his actions in pre-season.
Playing against Isak for the first time will be fascinating. Still, if Newcastle are performing like they are now – particularly away from home – they have little chance of winning at Anfield.