Newcastle United host Liverpool in the Premier League in Monday Night Football tonight, with the champions expecting a fervent atmosphere as they travel to St James’ Park.
There’ll be plenty of boos for Arne Slot’s side among the protracted saga regarding the future of Alexander Isak, with the Reds’ capture of Hugo Ekitike also a cause for dissent among the home fans.
Liverpool began the season with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth in a performance that was impressive despite some shaky moments, though they travel up north looking to lay down a marker for their title rivals.
Meanwhile, the Magpies started their 25/26 campaign with a disappointing draw at Aston Villa, and while Eddie Howe’s side still need to make several additions before the transfer window closes, tonight St James’ can provide the helping hand as it did in the 3-3 draw last season.
Follow all the latest build-up and updates from St James’ Park below:
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Newcastle vs Liverpool LIVE
- Newcastle face Liverpool in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports with kick-off at 8pm BST
- Game is set for a tense atmosphere among the protracted Alexander Isak transfer saga
- Magpies drew their opening game away at Villa while Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4-2
- Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
- Liverpool XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Newcastle United FC - Liverpool FC
Liverpool team booed on arrival at St. James' Park
19:06
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Mike Jones
The Liverpool team bus was met with a chorus of boos from watching Newcastle fans as the players disembarked ahead of this match.
The fanbase isn’t at all pleased about the rumours and disruption caused by Alexander Isak wanting to leave and they’ll make that clear during the match tonight.
A long time to wait for a win
19:05
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Mike Jones
Newcastle United have gone 17 Premier League matches without a win against Liverpool since winning 2-0 back in December 2015 under Steve McClaren.
In their league history, they’ve had longer winless runs against Man City (22 between 2006 and 2018) and Man Utd (18 between 2002 and 2011).
Gravenberch on returning to the Liverpool team
19:02
,
Mike Jones
The Liverpool midfielder spoke ahead of the match saying: "I'm feeling good, I'm feeling great. Obviously I couldn't play the first Premier League game, so I'm happy to be back with the team.
"Newcastle are really good, we know it will be a really tough game for us. We know from the Carabao Cup final they are good in set-pieces.
"We analysed the game against Bournemouth, of course, and also against Crystal Palace. We knew what we had to do better. Also for the new players, they need time. The Premier League, it's a different competition, also for them it's a different country."
Eddie Howe says Newcastle would not be left striker-light by Alexander Isak exit
19:00
,
Chris Wilson
Newcastle’s owners will not leave boss Eddie Howe without a recognised senior striker as the Alexander Isak saga rumbles into the final few days of the summer transfer window.
The St James’ Park hierarchy has to date remained steadfast amid Liverpool’s attempts to prise the 25-year-old Sweden international out of the club, aided and abetted by the player’s stated intention to leave.
However, with Callum Wilson having already left and no sign of a replacement arriving – Brentford’s Yoane Wissa currently remains stubbornly beyond head coach Eddie Howe’s grasp with Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko having already slipped through it – the Magpies find themselves in a difficult situation.
Newcastle unchanged
18:56
,
Mike Jones
As expected Eddie Howe names the same starting XI for Newcastle that lined up against Aston Villa in their opening match.
Anthony Gordon leads the line once again and Jacob Ramsey is on the bench and could make his debut for the club this evening.
Liverpool make two changes
18:52
,
Mike Jones
Arne Slot makes two changes to the Liverpool team that started against Bournemouth last week.
Jeremie Frimpong is injured so drops out as does Alexis Mac Allister who isn’t in the squad.
Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch are the men brought in with Dominik Szoboszlai set to start at right-back in the absence of Frimpong.
Liverpool line-up to face Newcastle
18:47
,
Mike Jones
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Team news is IN! #NEWLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 25, 2025
Newcastle line-up to face Liverpool
18:46
,
Mike Jones
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
HOWAY THE LADS pic.twitter.com/XlKdGXrJAp
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 25, 2025
Team news revealed
18:40
,
Chris Wilson
We’re expecting team news and the official line-ups in around five minutes time so stick around for the big news...
Shared results but Newcastle took the spoils
18:36
,
Mike Jones
Last season, the match at St James’ Park produced one of the games of the season as the teams played out a superb 3-3 draw, while the Reds won 2-0 at home at Anfield.
However, it was the Magpies who got the win in the most important meeting last campaign, when Eddie Howe’s side ran out 2-1 winners in the Carabao Cup final.
Head-to-head record
18:30
,
Mike Jones
These two sides have met 190 times in the past, with the first meeting dating back to 1893.
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool have the better of the head-to-head record, having won 94 matches.
Newcastle have won 51, while 45 have ended as draws.
Alexander Isak has destabilised Newcastle and now Liverpool can inflict further damage
18:24
,
Chris Wilson
Arne Slot wasn’t really talking about Alexander Isak. Eddie Howe won’t be picking Alexander Isak. Isak isn’t happy with Newcastle. Newcastle aren’t happy with Isak or Liverpool.
Newcastle don’t have a striker to start but the player operating instead of one could have gone to Liverpool last summer. Liverpool do have a striker and he is one Newcastle tried to sign this summer. The Alexander Isak derby will not feature Isak, but will be framed around him.
Not so much by Slot, who got through a 15-minute press conference with a solitary, late mention of the forward he has tried to buy, but by the wider world.
Slot on 'amazing' atmosphere expected at St. James Park
18:18
,
Mike Jones
More from the Liverpool boss who says that Newcastle will get a boost from the ‘amazing’ atmosphere inside the stadium tonight and likened it to the one at Anfield last week.
“The atmosphere is amazing [is] because the players can perform, they can add to the atmosphere by being as intense as they were, bringing the quality as they brought in that game,” Slot said.
“So, that's going to be the challenge. The challenge is also playing in a stadium where the fans will be there for the home team, and that always helps every home team.
“I can tell you about us, so the last 15 to 20 minutes at Anfield, it wasn't a coincidence that we scored twice because the fans helped us in that moment of time.”
'One of the most difficult away games'
18:12
,
Mike Jones
Arne Slot isn’t taking this match for granted and knows that Newcastle possess the ability to hurt his Liverpool team as evidenced in the League Cup final last season.
Speaking about what he expects from tonight’s match Slot said: “If you go to Newcastle you know what to expect. We played them three times last season and twice their intensity levels were above ours.
“In the League Cup final, they were more intense than us so I don't think they need anything to add for them to be intense if they play at St. James' Park.
“Apart from the intensity, it's a very good team, they have also a team that can make it a fight, they have players for this but they also have players that are so comfortable on the ball.
“So, one of the best teams in the league and one of the most difficult away games you can have in the season, especially as you say here, 'under the lights'.”
Slot on importance of Gravenberch
18:06
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Mike Jones
Ryan Gravenberch is expected to start tonight’s match for Liverpool after missing their opener due to suspension.
Arne Slot revealed why he is an important for the team and how his inclusion can help Liverpool be more solid.
“I think a lot. At least if he is the same player as he was last season, that could help us a lot,” Slot explained.
“If you just simply look at the second goal we conceded [against Bournemouth], they could just go from one side from the 18-yard box to the other side without being attacked, which was smart because Virgil [van Dijk] and Ibou [Konate] needed to go back because it was a four-versus-two situation.
“I think if you look back at last season and every single time he played, Ryan would have been in that position and for him not being there and us playing with very good players but very attack-minded players, that hurt us in that goal, for example, and that wasn't the first time where we lacked a player in that position on a counter-attack for the other team.
“Normally, if he brings his normal level, it would definitely help us to have him back again.”
Jacob Ramsey set to make Newcastle debut in much-anticipated Liverpool clash
18:00
,
Chris Wilson
New signing Jacob Ramsey could be thrust into the heat of Newcastle’s much-anticipated clash with Premier League champions Liverpool.
The 24-year-old midfielder joined the Magpies from Aston Villa last week in a deal which could eventually amount to £43million, and has been training with Eddie Howe’s squad as they prepare for Monday night’s showdown at St James’ Park.
Howe has already been impressed by what he has seen and while he is generally reluctant to throw new acquisitions in at the deep end, he has hinted that Ramsey could be involved.
Can Newcastle beat Liverpool without Isak?
17:54
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Mike Jones
That is the question on everyone’s minds especially after the Magpies drew 0-0 against 10-man Aston Villa last time out.
Isak is confirmed not to be in the squad so Anthony Gordon looks set to start centrally again.
"He’s done it enough to do the job really well for the team,” said Howe of Gordon playing as the main striker.
“I have no issue playing him there a number of times both as a starter and a substitute. He plays differently to other strikers but that can be a positive.
"He’s got devastating pace, a really good work ethic and he’s scored goals. I think he played really well last week in lots of different phases of his game."
Will Joe Willock be fit to play?
17:48
,
Mike Jones
Here’s what Eddie Howe had to say on the matter: "Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well.
“When he went down in the game (in South Korea) I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn't look good.
"Credit to him - he's got back fit and looking good."
Eddie Howe on 'electric' atmosphere at St. James' Park
17:42
,
Mike Jones
Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, says he is expecting an ‘electric’ atmosphere at St. James’ Park for the club’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.
"The first home game is always going to be electric,” Howe said in the build-up to the game.
“Under the lights, evening games are always really special for us.
"I have no doubt this will be a really passionate display from the home support.
“We need to use that - but not be reckless with it. We've got to concentrate and deliver our game plan, but using the energy from the crowd will be vital for us."
Newcastle United transfer news: Yoane Wissa, Marc Guehi, Jorgen Strand Larsen and more
17:36
,
Chris Wilson
Having ended their trophy drought with Carabao Cup success last season, Newcastle United now have work to do in the final days of a torrid transfer window.
With a return to the Champions League, the Magpies needed to strengthen their squad to compete at the highest level, but despite boss Eddie Howe making it known that he is looking to work fast this summer, Newcastle have missed out on several of their top targets so far.
Benjamin Sesko was one high-profile target to opt against a move to St James Park, while key striker Alexander Isak has blown his relationship with the club as he chases a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Newcastle have been without any major recruits over the past two seasons due to PSR rules, and started the summer with a big move for Anthony Elanga – with the Nottingham Forest winger joining in a deal worth £55m – but have been thwarted in attempts to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford since then.
And it means that there are a big few days ahead for the Magpies ahead of the transfer deadline on 1 September, with the club needing to strengthen in several key positions.
Here’s everything you need to know about Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans:
How can I watch it?
17:30
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Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, coverage on both channels starts at 6.30pm BST.
A live stream will be available via NOW TV and Sky Go for subscribers as well.
When is Newcastle vs Liverpool?
17:24
,
Mike Jones
Newcastle vs Liverpool is the main Premier League event on Monday 25 August and the match kicks off at St. James’ Park at 8pm.
Liverpool early team news
17:18
,
Chris Wilson
Liverpool will be without Jeremie Frimpong until after the international break as he is out with a hamstring injury, while Conor Bradley is only just back in team training and Joe Gomez's fitness is being carefully managed. Gomez did play against Bournemouth but it remains to be seen if Slot throws him into the mix from the start or begins the game with a makeshift back line.
Dominik Szoboszlai or Wataru Endo could start at right-back with Ryan Gravenberch available for selection following the end of a suspension.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Merkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Newcastle early team news
17:12
,
Chris Wilson
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak will miss Monday night’s match amid ongoing speculation over his future at the club but has left the door open for reconciliation in the future if he remains at Newcastle after the transfer window closes.
Isak could be the only Newcastle absence as Joe Willock is on course to return from the calf injury though he would only feature from the bench. New signing, Jacob Ramsey, could be in line to start.
Predicted Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Newcastle vs Liverpool
17:06
,
Chris Wilson
Newcastle United come face-to-face with Liverpool on the pitch amid the drama and rumours surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at the clubs. Isak has sidelined himself from playing for the Magpies and is pushing for a move to Liverpool who have had a bid of £110m rejected as it did not meet Newcastle’s valuation.
Eddie Howe’s men needed Isak’s ability in front of goal last week as they drew 0-0 away at Aston Villa despite the hosts going down to 10 men. Another difficult match awaits them today with the Premier Leaguechampions arriving at St. James’ Park and Howe will be hoping his team can impose themselves on Liverpool.
For their part, Arne Slot’s Reds come into the match on the back of a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. They let a two-goal lead slip due to a supreme performance from Antoine Semeyo but Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah ensured they picked up the points late in the game.
Good evening
17:00
,
Chris Wilson
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
The champions travel to St James’ expecting a raucous atmosphere in the midst of the Alexander Isak transfer saga, with Arne Slot’s side looking to make it two wins from two as the hope to keep early pace with Arsenal and Spurs.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will hope to get their season up and running with a win after a draw in which they dominated Aston Villa last week.
And we’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.
