Liverpool are gearing themselves up for their second Premier League game of the 2025-26 season.
The Reds managed to beat Bournemouth 4-2 in their first top-flight game, and, even though the result may make it seem like Arne Slot’s men dominated, they were miles off it.
It was only thanks to Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah that Liverpool managed to earn all three points, as, without them, they’d have drawn the game.
Although Liverpool’s matches against Newcastle don’t often mean all that much, this time around, things are different as the two clubs have been in a back-and-forth battle all summer regarding the future of Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak shouts during a Premier League match against Everton at St James' Park.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
And, to make things even more hostile, the Magpies were the ones who beat Slot’s men in the Carabao Cup final, which resulted in them missing out on another trophy.
Opta supercomputer predicts that Liverpool will beat Newcastle on Monday
Since this match is likely to include fireworks with the way things have been handled by both clubs this season, it’s not a surprise to see fans of both clubs saying they have what it takes to win.
If the Magpies had Isak within their starting XI, they’d have had a much better chance of earning all three points, but, with Anthony Gordon being the focal point of their attack, they’re at a rather large disadvantage.
These are also the thoughts of the Opta supercomputer, which gives Liverpool a 44 per cent chance of winning the game on Monday.
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Newcastle, on the other hand, have been given a 31 per cent chance of coming away with all three points while the remaining 24 per cent is given to a draw.
The game is likely to be much closer than most think, with both clubs having a little bit of extra motivation to get them over the line.
Liverpool could be about to prove their dominance over Newcastle
Although both Liverpool and Newcastle managed to bag themselves spots in the Champions League, with the way that things have gone for the Magpies this summer, it’s unclear whether the same will happen again.
Howe has been rejected by countless amounts of strikers, which has left him with no senior number nines to choose from.
Not only will this affect their start to the campaign, but it could also hang over them until January at the very least.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak arrives for a training session
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
If Isak does end up leaving Newcastle and only one striker, such as Yoanne Wissa, is brought in, plenty of problems could be heading the Magpies’ way.
Of course, only time will tell what the future has in store, but for now, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen.