Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has previewed the Reds’ trip to St James’ Park for the highly anticipated game against Newcastle United.
Following the draw against Aston Villa last week, the Magpies are keen to get their first win of the season. However, they will have to do it the hard way as defending Premier League champions Liverpool come to St James’ Park.
It is the first meeting between Newcastle United and Liverpool since the Carabao Cup final in March, which saw the former lift their first silverware since 1969.
While the game was already exciting enough, there has been a lot of drama off the pitch between the two sides. Liverpool bid £110million for Alexander Isak in early August, which was quickly rejected by Newcastle. However, the damage has already been done, and Isak has now omitted himself from the first-team squad.
Eddie Howe is hoping for an ‘electric’ St James’ Park with the fans excited to see the team back on home turf, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is well aware of what to expect.
Alisson Becker looks on during a Premier League game between Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Alisson praises Newcastle United fans ahead of Liverpool’s visit
Alisson did not play in the Carabao Cup final in March, with Caoimhin Kelleher being favoured over the Brazilian. The 32-year-old is likely to start between the sticks in the visit to St James’ Park.
The goalkeeper has played away against Newcastle on multiple occasions, so he is aware of how the fans can influence performances on the pitch.
Alan Shearer was wowed by Alisson last season, warning Newcastle ahead of the Carabao Cup final of his quality while doing commentary for a Champions League game.
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However, Alisson has his own worries for the St James’ Park trip.
“Newcastle away is always tough to play but it’s a great place for a football player who likes a big challenge,” he said on liverpoolfc.com.
“That’s what we are here at Liverpool FC, that’s [how] a player who plays at the highest level has to be.
“We like these kind of games, we like to play these kind of games, but we know that we’re going to face a great opponent that in the last two, three years has grown a lot, played really good football, really effective football.
“They have a really strong team and I think their supporters make an amazing atmosphere at their ground. So, we have to be ready to give our best if we want to get the chance to get three points.”
Alisson convinced Bruno Guimaraes to join Newcastle United
While Alisson plays for one of the Magpies’ Premier League rivals, it turns out he actually helped Newcastle sign Bruno Guimaraes, one of the club’s best players in recent memory.
In a 2023 interview, Guimaraes said several Brazilian Premier League players told him about Newcastle before his move, which was enough for him to choose the move to Tyneside.
Now, Guimaraes has captained Newcastle to a major trophy and become one of the most loved players at the club.
“When I spoke with the owners for the first time, I was with the national team,” he said.
“I spoke with Alisson, Ederson, Gabriel Jesus and they told me that it is an annoying place to play, St James’ Park is the most difficult place to play away.”