Tonight is the night at St James’ Park. Our first competitive game back on home turf since our spot in the Champions League was sealed after that final day meeting with Everton back in May.
Newcastle meet Liverpool in a game full of subplots and tension, with the two clubs hitting the headlines over the past few months over striker battles for Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
As ever, Paul Merson has been giving his Premier League predictions, previewing what promises to be an “acid test” for Liverpool and “insane” atmosphere at St James’ Park.
He’s hailed Sandro Tonali after watching him star in our 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, tipped Harvey Barnes to play a key role and predicted a game of goals as we look to pick up our first win of the new season.
Speaking to [Sportskeeda](https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-paul-merson-predicts-manchester-city-vs-tottenham-newcastle-vs-liverpool-premier-league-gw2-fixtures), he said: _“Thanks to Alexander Isak, this has become the spiciest game of the season!”_
_“It’s a massive acid test for Liverpool at St James’ Park. I was impressed with Newcastle against Villa last weekend._
_“Sandro Tonali was different class and if they had a proper centre-forward, they would have won that game easily. I suppose that’s why the fans are so angry with Isak, Newcastle are not a bad team anymore!”_
_“It will be an insane atmosphere on Monday night, no doubt about it. This is a hard test for Liverpool against Newcastle’s midfield. Liverpool made it an end-to-end game against Bournemouth because they knew it suits them._
_“Even though they conceded twice in that game, they still scored four goals. But if Newcastle can keep things tight and be solid in midfield, which I think they will, it won’t be easy for Liverpool._
_“Arne Slot’s men are always going to be a bit open on the right side because of Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking nature (he is now out injured). Teams are going to work out how to get around that side and that will be a worry for Liverpool. Harvey Barnes could enjoy a lot of freedom on that flank here._
_“I think Anthony Gordon will once again start centrally, even though it doesn’t suit him completely. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a quality player and has troubled Liverpool in the past. But I just think it’s best when he comes inside from a wider position._
_“I believe Newcastle can cause problems to Liverpool. This should be an entertaining watch, won’t want to miss it for anything in the world!”_
**Merson’s prediction:** Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
In our last few meetings, we saw off the Reds 2-1 at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and also took a point in last season’s clash on Tyneside, with Fabian Schar scoring in a 3-3 draw where Mo Salah was unplayable at the other end.
Hopefully we can control our emotions, show that quality in the final third that was missing at Villa Park and come away with a win that would taste all the more sweet against the club trying to sign a sulking Isak.