Newcastle United vs. Liverpool: EPL matchday 2 preview, h2h, prediction
Liverpool forward, Salah with a dribble move against Newcastle defender, Burn. Photo Credit- Liverpool.com
The Premier League’s second matchday concludes with a top-level clash as Newcastle United host reigning champions Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM BST. This fixture, set to be televised live on Sky Sports, promises drama under the floodlights, fueled by a heated transfer saga involving Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak and a history of thrilling encounters. This piece is set to analyze both teams’ performances, tactical approaches, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and predict the potential scoreline for this eagerly anticipated matchup.
Newcastle United performance
Newcastle United kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on August 16, 2025. Despite dominating possession (54%) and creating six shots on target, the Magpies were frustrated by Villa’s resolute defense and a controversial red card to Ezri Konsa, which disrupted their rhythm. Their performance showcased resilience but highlighted a lack of cutting edge, with only 0.6 goals per match in their last five games across all competitions. Last season’s Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool marked their first major trophy in 70 years, but a sixth-place finish and a 4-0 loss to Manchester City in December 2024 exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Newcastle tactical approach
Eddie Howe employs a 4-3-3 formation, shifting to a 4-5-1 without the ball to counter high-pressing teams like Liverpool, as seen in their 3-3 draw last season. Newcastle’s game plan focuses on physicality in midfield, with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes anchoring the center to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. Up top, Anthony Gordon’s pace and Harvey Barnes’ directness exploit wide areas, while Callum Wilson deputizes for the absent Isak. Defensively, Fabian Schär and Valentino Livramento aim to contain Liverpool’s wingers, but gaps left by advancing full-backs, as exploited by Luis Diaz in February 2025, remain a concern. Howe’s emphasis on counter-attacks, Newcastle rank third for shots from fast breaks per AI score, will target Liverpool’s injury-hit defense.
Newcastle team news and injuries
Newcastle face a significant blow with Alexander Isak ruled out due to his dispute with the club on his potential transfer to Liverpool. The striker, who scored 21 goals across all competitions last season, is not expected to face long-term absence but will miss this match amid ongoing transfer speculation with Liverpool. Joe Willock (thigh) is sidelined, while Sven Botman (knee) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) remain long-term absentees. Joelinton is doubtful but could return after training separately. New signing Jacob Ramsey, acquired from Aston Villa, is likely to debut off the bench, with Howe prioritizing a robust midfield trio of Tonali, Guimaraes, and Sean Longstaff.
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Liverpool form
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, began their title defense with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth on August 15, 2025, at Anfield. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike secured the win. Liverpool’s 12 shots and 2.1 expected goals (xG) showcased their attacking prowess, though defensive lapses allowed Bournemouth to score twice. Last season, Liverpool dominated the Premier League, finishing 13 points clear of Arsenal, with Salah contributing 30 goals and 21 assists across all competitions. Their 2-0 win over Newcastle in February 2025, with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, showed their superiority, though a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park in December 2024 showed vulnerabilities.
Liverpool tactics
Slot’s 4-3-3 emphasizes high pressing and fluid attacking play, with Salah and Díaz exploiting wide areas and Szoboszlai or Florian Wirtz drifting into pockets. Ryan Gravenberch’s return bolsters a midfield that averaged 55% possession against Bournemouth. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté anchor the backline, but injuries force adjustments at right-back. Liverpool’s 16 second-half goals in their last 19 against Newcastle suggest a knack for late surges, as noted by Coaches’ Voice. Their pressing game, described by Slot as “relentless,” will target Newcastle’s midfield, though gaps in transition could be exploited by Gordon’s pace.
Liverpool team news and injuries
Liverpool welcome back Ryan Gravenberch after suspension and paternity leave, likely partnering Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, which may see Szoboszlai or Wirtz benched. Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) is out until after the international break, but Conor Bradley has returned to training and could feature at right-back, with Joe Gomez as an alternative. Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota (both knee), and Kostas Tsimikas (ankle) remain sidelined, though Alisson is nearing a return by late August. Federico Chiesa is back in training but unlikely to start. Tyler Morton (shoulder) and Joe Gomez (hamstring, out until May) are also absent, per ESPN.
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Newcastle vs Liverpool head-to-head statistics
Liverpool hold a commanding edge in this fixture, remaining unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League meetings with Newcastle since December 2015. Across 58 matches since 1995, Liverpool have won 36 (62%), Newcastle 10 (17%), and 12 have ended in draws (21%), per AiScore. The teams have met 33 times in the Premier League, with Liverpool winning 17, Newcastle 5, and 7 drawing, averaging 3.18 goals per game and both teams scoring (BTTS) in 55% of encounters. Liverpool’s 124 goals to Newcastle’s 61 underline their dominance, with Salah’s 14 goal involvements (8 goals, 6 assists) a standout. Last season’s meetings saw a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park (December 4, 2024) and a 2-0 Liverpool win at Anfield (February 26, 2025). Newcastle’s last home league win over Liverpool was a 2-0 victory in 2015.
Newcastle vs Liverpool score prediction
Given Liverpool’s historical dominance and Newcastle’s depleted attack without Isak, the Reds hold the edge, but St. James’ Park’s electric atmosphere and Howe’s tactical approach could keep it close. The 3-3 draw last season and Newcastle’s home form (1 point per game) suggest goals, but Liverpool’s 100% over 2.5 goals rate in recent away matches points to a high-scoring affair. Football critics predicts a “huge test” for Liverpool, but their superior finishing, led by Salah, should prevail.
