In what has transpired as impeccable timing, Newcastle United will now face Liverpool in the Premier League.
For a long time to come, this fixture might now be known as the ‘Alexander Isak derby’, providing that he does end up signing for Liverpool.
Newcastle aren’t happy with Isak’s public statement this week, and the striker’s future still looks no closer to being resolved.
Of course, without Isak available and Yoane Wissa still stuck at Brentford, Newcastle are expected to play Anthony Gordon as their number nine against Liverpool.
And there’s a certain irony to that as well, given that Gordon is ready to join Liverpool, should they ever make a move.
But on Monday evening, the focus will simply be on the players on the pitch, and it’ll be a match that could define the early trajectory of each team’s seasons.
Alexander Isak in action during a Premier League clash between Newcastle and Ipswich
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
READ MORE: Alexander Isak uttered two words in his first Newcastle interview which say it all amid Liverpool saga
Theo Walcott shares his score prediction for Newcastle vs Liverpool
That being said, Theo Walcott has now shared his score prediction for Newcastle and Liverpool’s clash on the ‘Its Called Soccer!’ podcast.
In terms of the pair’s meetings in the Premier League last season, Newcastle failed to beat Liverpool.
But they did then save a 2-1 victory for their crucial meeting at Wembley in March.
Date Fixture Result Competion
04/12/24 Newcastle vs Liverpool 3-3 Premier League
26/02/25 Liverpool vs Newcastle 2-0 Premier League
16/03/25 Liverpool vs Newcastle (neutral venue) 1-2 EFL Cup
Newcastle and Liverpool’s meeting last season.
As a result, Arne Slot’s side will be looking to enact some sort of revenge at St James’ Park on Monday, and remarkably, Newcastle haven’t beaten Liverpool in the league since 2015.
And perhaps with that in mind, Walcott predicted that Newcastle and Liverpool would draw on match day two.
Speaking on the podcast, Walcott simply said: “I’ll go 1-1.”
And whilst some might accuse Walcott of sitting on the fence, it’s hard to say that either side will lose right now.
Hugo Ekitike will now face Newcastle as a Liverpool player
If there weren’t already enough subplots on hand, Hugo Ekitike will also play against Newcastle on Monday night, the club who have been so desperate to sign him over the years.
Newcastle tried to sign Ekitike before he rocked up at Anfield this summer, and the striker has been a long-term target at St James’ Park.
Interestingly, Gary Lineker has backed Ekitike to outscore Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres this season after the Frenchman’s electric start.
But if Liverpool do sign Isak as they hope, perhaps that will curtail Ekitike’s scoring somewhat.
On their part, Newcastle have made a bid to sign Wissa, but Eddie Howe’s side seem reluctant to meet Brentford’s £60m asking price.
The striker merry-go-round has been in full swing this summer, and there’s no sign of it letting up just yet.