St James’ Park will be a bear pit when Newcastle United face Liverpool on Monday night.
It appears to be a perfect storm. The first home game of the season is always special, while Newcastle United vs Liverpool is one of the Premier League’s most famous fixtures.
On top of that, it is a night game at St James’ Park with the subplot of Alexander Isak’s future. He will not be involved on Monday night, with the 25-year-old refusing to play.
Newcastle fans sang about Isak at Villa Park on Saturday, and will likely give him a fresh message up against the team he wants to sign for.
It should be an electric night on Tyneside, with Paul Merson predicting a four-goal thriller and an ‘insane atmosphere’. One of those things is definitely guaranteed…
Eddie Howe stands next to Arne Slot on the touchline at Wembley.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Paul Merson backs Newcastle United to draw with Liverpool
As part of his Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted the result of Newcastle United vs Liverpool.
The former Arsenal forward believes it will end in a draw, admitting that he was impressed with the Magpies during their opening day clash with Aston Villa.
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“Thanks to Alexander Isak, this has become the spiciest game of the season!” he said.
“It’s a massive acid test for Liverpool at St James’ Park. I was impressed with Newcastle against Villa last weekend. Sandro Tonali was different class and if they had a proper centre-forward, they would have won that game easily. I suppose that’s why the fans are so angry with Isak, Newcastle are not a bad team anymore!”
Merson added: “It will be an insane atmosphere on Monday night, no doubt about it. This is a hard test for Liverpool against Newcastle’s midfield. Liverpool made it an end-to-end game against Bournemouth because they knew it suits them. Even though they conceded twice in that game, they still scored four goals. But if Newcastle can keep things tight and be solid in midfield, which I think they will, it won’t be easy for Liverpool.
“Arne Slot’s men are always going to be a bit open on the right side because of Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking nature. Teams are going to work out how to get around that side and that will be a worry for Liverpool. Harvey Barnes could enjoy a lot of freedom on that flank here. I think Anthony Gordon will once again start centrally, even though it doesn’t suit him completely. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a quality player and has troubled Liverpool in the past. But I just think it’s best when he comes inside from a wider position.
“I believe Newcastle can cause problems to Liverpool. This should be an entertaining watch, won’t want to miss it for anything in the world!”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 2 Liverpool 2.
Liverpool started the defence of their Premier League title with a win, but it was not a perfect performance.
They needed a couple of late goals to beat Bournemouth, who caused the Reds real problems on the break.
There was plenty of space in behind to exploit, which will give Newcastle United hope heading into Monday night’s game. Eddie Howe might not have a senior striker, but he has an abundance of pace in the final third.
Newcastle’s two best moments against Aston Villa came from their pace in behind. Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga caused Unai Emery’s side problems, and they can do the same to Arne Slot’s team.
Combine that with the cauldron of noise that will be St James’ Park and the Toon Army have every right to be optimistic about getting a positive result against Liverpool.