Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United starting XI vs Liverpool: Alexander Isak still absent as Eddie Howe makes no changes from Aston Villa draw.
The Magpies drew 0-0 at Aston Villa in their Premier League opener and now host the reigning champions in their first home match of the campaign.
And the eyes of the world are on St James’ Park, with the ongoing Alexander Isak situation adding a huge spice to what is historically a passionate fixture.
Eddie Howe makes no changes to his Newcastle United starting XI
Howe has kept faith with the same XI that drew at Villa Park with Nick Pope in goal behind a back four of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento.
Bruno Guimaraes captains the side with Joelinton and Sandro Tonali continuing in midfield. Up front, Anthony Gordon leads the line again, supported by £55million summer signing Anthony Elanga.
New signing Jacob Ramsey is named on the bench, just over a week after completing his £39m move from Aston Villa, while Joe Willock returns to the squad after a month out with an Achilles injury. Park Seung-soo and Emil Krafth make way.
Newcastle United starting XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga.
Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Will Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley.
Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United absence continues
As expected, Isak is not part of the squad as he continues to be in self-imposed exile in an attempt to force through a move to tonight’s opponents. Howe said at Friday’s press conference that Isak wouldn’t be involved, and the team news this evening is confirmation, albeit expected.
Isak broke silence on his future last Tuesday and signalled his intention to leave the club after writing “when promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Newcastle quickly released a statement on their own, refuting suggestions that Isak had been told he could leave. The Magpies then cast doubt over Isak being allowed to depart by saying they “do not foresee” the conditions of a sale being met.
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“Yeah, I'd always say my preference for these things is it doesn't happen,” Howe said. “Publicly, because I think everything is better dealt with behind closed doors, but needs must, and in this situation the club has spoken, and probably justifiably so in that moment.”
When asked about the prospect of Isak being reintegrated back into the squad, Howe said: “I think that's probably a conversation for another day. At the moment, that is not an option for us, so rather than talk hypotheticals, I'd rather talk when we get there, when we get to that point.
“And then, of course, we'll enter that phase and see what we need to do to try and get the best for Alex, get the best for the team, which is always the priority. But until that point, I think we're best focusing on the players we have available for the next game.”
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