· 25 August 2025, 18:54
**Eddie Howe has once again had to go with Anthony Gordon as a striker as Liverpool are the first guests at St James' Park this season.**
Kick-off is getting closer in this Sky Sports televised grudge match which promises to be something to behold.
The atmosphere is likely to be even better than the game itself, but even that isn't likely to be dull.
As expected, Eddie Howe has stuck with the same XI that fought valiantly against Aston Villa last week, earning a point on the road in the opening game of the campaign.
Spot on
Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw join Aaron Ramsdale on the bench
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New signing Jacob Ramsey is on the bench as are two other recent additions yet to make their competitive debuts in the form of Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw.
There were no surprises with the lineup as they team played really well against Aaston Villa last week.
Hopefully, they've been working on the final balls and shooting through the week ahead of tonight's game as all that was lacking last week was goals.
Alexis Mac Allister misses out for Liverpool
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As expected there's not Jeremie Frimpong or Alexis Mac Allister in the Liverpool lineup.
Hugo Ekitke starts for the Reds, and it will be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets at St James' Park after snubbing the Magpies once again.
It's a really looking ±Liverpool side and Newcastle will need to be at their best to get something from the game, but they are certainly not infallible.
HOWAY EDDIE HOWE'S WE DON'T NEED STRIKERS TO SCORE MAGS!