Liverpool return to St James’ Park with the table already humming and the margins already thin. Newcastle haven’t beaten the Reds in the league since 2015; the weight of that streak hangs over Monday night.
Arne Slot’s champions are sharper on the ball, looser without it. Wembley showed both truths: Wirtz sliding passes, Ekitike running channels, then gaps appearing the second possession breaks.
The task is simple—press, rest, repeat—while keeping the back door shut.
Team news tilts helpful. Van Dijk has shaken illness, Alisson is available, Frimpong should start with Kerkez opposite. Gravenberch missed Wembley for the birth of his child but is expected to rejoin. Mamardashvili raises the bar for the gloves.
For Newcastle, Willock is out; Isak remains unavailable for “variety of reasons,” while Botman and Hall face late checks. Their window has brought headlines more than signings; form has mirrored that drift.
Head-to-head leans red: Liverpool won 2–0 here in February and are unbeaten in 17 league meetings with the Magpies. Salah’s habit lingers—10 goals and eight assists against them in the Premier League.
Predicted XI (LIV): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Predicted XI (NEW): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn; Guimarães, Joelinton; Gordon, Anderson, Elanga; Osula.
Liverpool key: control rest-defence after losing it. Newcastle key: spring Gordon into the lanes behind Frimpong and Kerkez. Set pieces may tilt it if nerves jitter in added time late.
Prediction: Newcastle 2–2 Liverpool.
Urgent, open, breathless—and a lesson Liverpool can use before Europe.