Newcastle United kick off their Premier League campaign this weekend against Liverpool, and on paper, it looks like tough test for the Magpies.
In reality, both teams have problems that need addressing.
Newcastle need an experienced midfielder, at least one more full-back, centre-half and possibly a forward, while Liverpool need a defensive midfielder, a right-winger, and a centre-half.
Both have new managers in Matthias Jaissle and Andoni Iraola. So, who will come out on top?
Key Battles
Lewis Miley vs Dominik Szoboszlai
The midfield battle is interesting, given that both teams need reinforcements.
Szoboszlai was Liverpool’s creator-in-chief last season, and Newcastle will have to keep him quiet. If Miley plays as part of a double pivot with Jacob Ramsey they could stop Szoboszlai from feeding Liverpool’s attackers.
If they can cut off the supply line, they have a chance of winning the battle.
Malick Thiaw vs Alexander Isak
Isak isn’t back to his best yet, but his pace makes him a threat. Thiaw may be partnered with Dan Burn, who isn’t exactly known for his pace, so Thiaw will have to be alert to Isak’s movement to block his runs in behind.
Isak will have extra motivation as this is his first time back at St James’ since his acrimonious move to Liverpool, so the atmosphere will be charged.
Thiaw is always calm and composed though, so he shouldn’t let that get to him.
Jérémy Jacquet vs Yoane Wissa
Premier League debutant Jacquet could have a tough afternoon against Yoane Wissa, who is starting to resemble the player we saw at Brentford.
His speed and trickery will test Jacquet, and he will pounce on any rookie mistakes from the 20-year-old.
However, Jacquet has looked assured in preseason, and having the experienced Virgil van Dijk beside him will help.
The Tactical Battle
Both managers favour front-foot, attacking football, so this is likely to be an open game.
Jaissle’s style is all about the press, an approach he describes as “very vertical”. He likes his teams to recover the ball quickly and attack rather than passing back or sideways.
He has mainly used a 4-2-3-1 formation in preseason so expect him to stick with that, at least at the start of the game.
Iraola uses the same formation and his teams are energetic and aren’t afraid to take risks. Newcastle could capitalise on this high-risk strategy if mistakes occur.
Both teams are still at the “getting to know you” stage with their new managers, although Newcastle are a few weeks behind in this respect.
They looked vulnerable defensively in preseason, so Liverpool’s high-press could cause them problems.
Form Guide
Newcastle have a dreadful record in this fixture. They haven’t won any of their last 19 games against Liverpool, with five draws and 14 losses, and Liverpool love playing at St James’ – their recent record there is six wins and three draws.
Liverpool also have the better preseason record, with four wins from their six games, while Newcastle only won two of seven.
But records are made to be broken, right?
Possible Newcastle XI
Horniček, Dedić, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Miley, Elanga, Wissa, Barnes, Osula
Prediction
Newcastle United 1-3 Liverpool
It is hard to predict how this match will go, but Liverpool’s stronger midfield may win out.
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