Newcastle will host Liverpool on Monday as the Alexander Isak transfer saga rumbles on, and fans have warned that the off-field tensions between the clubs could boil over
Alexander Isak (L) and Joelinton of Newcastle United react during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion
Fans have predicted Newcastle star Joelinton is primed for a ban as Liverpool head to St. James' Park on Monday
(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Liverpool would be wise to watch out for Joelinton in Monday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United. And fans are convinced that the Brazilian will be out for revenge following the Reds' pursuit of Magpies star Alexander Isak this summer.
Arne Slot's side lodged an unsuccessful £110million bid for Isak earlier in the transfer window. That was around the same time Isak went on strike, refusing to join Newcastle on their pre-season tour of Asia and training separately from the rest of the squad.
The saga has left Newcastle in disarray, with their most valuable asset nowhere to be seen even after the campaign got underway. Fans far and wide are predicting Joelinton will use Monday's matchup as a chance to exorcise some demons.
And who better to take out his frustrations on than the team most likely to sign Isak if he were to leave this summer? Liverpool remain closely linked with a move for the Swede, even though there has been little talk of a follow-up bid.
"You just know that the one time Joelinton will actually get sent off for his behaviour will be Liverpool," wrote one fan on X. Another predicted: "Joelinton as a cover player, you just know it's gonna be a bloodbath."
A third social media user joked that Eddie Howe's enforcer has a "red card loading" at St. James' Park. Another asked: "How many fouls is Joelinton going to commit next week?"
Newcastle player Joelinton smells some smelling salts prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion
Joelinton has been tipped to leave his mark on Liverpool
Liverpool will also be thinking about revenge after losing to Newcastle in the League Cup final in March. But the back-and-forth over Isak has reignited the fire between the two clubs.
One fan joked Newcastle "signed Jacob Ramsey because they can guarantee Joelinton will be serving a three-match ban after Monday's game against Liverpool." Some Magpies even felt some sympathy for the Reds as another posted a picture of Joelinton while commenting: "I actually feel a bit bad for Liverpool’s midfielders, you know. This is going to be brutal - absolutely brutal…"
Joelinton has developed a reputation for his toughened methods since transitioning into midfield for Newcastle. The South American picked up 10 yellow cards in the Premier League last term, with only seven other players accumulating more.
The 29-year-old already has a caution to his name this term after picking up a card in the Week 1 draw against Aston Villa. And it's plausible he'll add to that tally in a game against the reigning champions, even without all the added context concerning Isak.
Alexander Isak looks on as he arrives for Newcastle training
Isak remains on the fringes of the Newcastle squad after pushing for a transfer
In 186 Premier League appearances to date, Joelinton has yet to be sent off playing in England's top flight. And with Isak currently out of the squad, Howe could do with his players keeping their cool come Monday.
It seems unlikely wantaway Isak will have any part to play against the Reds after going on strike in recent weeks. Anthony Gordon started as a false nine in his place and is place to keep his spot should Isak fail to feature as expected.
Liverpool overcame a late comeback attempt from Bournemouth to win 4-2 at home in their own league opener. However, the club's first road fixture of the campaign could well prove a more ferocious affair.