**Yesterday, Paul Merson said that he believes Liverpool are in for an “insane” atmosphere when they travel to face Newcastle while Chris Sutton now says he expects a lot of goals.**
The Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga has raised tensions between the two clubs and with the transfer hanging in the balance just three days out from the Premier League showdown, it’s not expected to be a friendly affair by any means.
The Reds have clearly angered the Newcastle fans but as Liverpool have learned the hard way with the likes of Torres, Suarez and Coutinho, sometimes the best thing to do is accept the cash and use it to grow from what is obviously an unenviable situation.
Liverpool, when they sold Coutinho, used it to start a dynasty that has now led them to the point where they are in a position to be the club making the marquee signings.
Of course, it’s not that simple and emotions are tightly wound into all of this.
It is safe to say that Newcastle v Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Monday night is going to be one of the best games all season.
Liverpool backed to beat Newcastle 2-1
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Writing for [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c8jpw87pwxyo), Chris Sutton says that although Newcastle United will be without Isak, they are a very attacking team and should go toe to toe with Liverpool.
_“A lot has been made about Liverpool’s defence, they conceded a couple of soft ones against Bournemouth so there’ll be a worry there. But then you look at Liverpool’s attack and you think, blimey,”_ Sutton writes.
_“Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, who had a blinder of a debut and Newcastle wanted to sign. Funnily enough, had Newcastle got Ekitike then Isak would probably be at Liverpool._
_“There’ll be goals in this. Neither of these sides take a backwards step. I veer towards Liverpool solely because Newcastle don’t have a centre-forward. But, are they still capable of scoring goals? Absolutely.”_
With all due respect to Newcastle, Liverpool shouldn’t struggle too much to beat them even with the added narrative.
Without Isak, the Tyneside outfit won’t be the same as evidenced by their goalless stalemate with Aston Villa last weekend.