Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, team news and prediction
By Joel Masibo, August 23, 2026A new chapter begins for both Newcastle United and Liverpool when the two sides meet at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, August 23, 2026, in the opening round of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Newcastle head into the contest under new manager Matthias Jaissle after an inconsistent pre-season, while Liverpool will be hoping to build on a more encouraging end to their preparations under Andoni Iraola.
Match preview
Newcastle have undergone significant changes during the summer following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. Eddie Howe is no longer in charge, while Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon have also moved on.
Despite the major investment that followed the club’s 2021 takeover, Newcastle have yet to establish themselves as a consistent force among England’s elite. Their 12th-place finish last season was their lowest league position since 2020-21.
The club has now placed its faith in 38-year-old Jaissle, who arrives with six trophies from his previous spells with Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli.
Newcastle’s preparations for the new campaign have offered little reason for optimism so far. Following a heavy 4-1 defeat against Bristol City, they beat Valencia but subsequently lost to Everton and Bayer Leverkusen before drawing with Strasbourg.
The Magpies scored in each of those four matches but also conceded every time, continuing a trend that has been evident at St James’ Park. They have found the net and conceded in their last seven home Premier League matches and could equal a club record by doing so for an eighth consecutive game.
There are, however, a couple of encouraging statistics for the hosts. Newcastle have avoided defeat in their last four opening-day league fixtures, while Jaissle has also won his first match at each of his previous three clubs.
Liverpool’s new boss Iraola does not possess such a strong record in opening matches. He has recorded just one victory from his first four games in charge of Bournemouth, Rayo Vallecano, Mirandes and AEK Larnaca, although none of those matches ended in defeat.
The Spaniard has nevertheless generated considerable excitement among Liverpool supporters, who are expecting him to bring an energetic attacking style reminiscent of the Jurgen Klopp era.
That approach was visible during Liverpool’s pre-season campaign. Their six friendly matches produced 20 goals, although defensive concerns remained after they conceded nine times across their first four fixtures.
The Reds ended their preparations positively, keeping clean sheets in consecutive matches against Como.
Liverpool also carry an impressive record into the opening weekend, having gone unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League matchday-one fixtures.
Iraola arrives with an impressive record of his own, having guided Bournemouth through an 18-match unbeaten Premier League sequence during their successful push towards European football.
The Liverpool boss also has an unbeaten record against Newcastle, recording three victories and three draws in his previous meetings with the club in the top flight.
Liverpool will also remember their dramatic 3-2 victory at St James’ Park last season, a match that was decided in memorable fashion.
Team news
Newcastle are dealing with several midfield concerns heading into the fixture.
Jaissle has confirmed that Joelinton is expected to spend a few weeks on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury. That could give either Sean Steur or Aladji Bamba an opportunity to make a full competitive debut.
Tino Livramento remains unavailable as he continues to recover from the calf problem that prevented him from joining England’s World Cup squad. Amar Dedic could therefore be handed a starting role.
Lukas Hornicek is expected to begin in goal, while Yoane Wissa could operate in the attacking midfield position behind the central striker.
Liverpool also have several players unavailable.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery from an Achilles problem. Joe Gomez is also recovering from a muscular injury sustained during pre-season.
Curtis Jones has been dealing with a hip issue and is reportedly close to completing a £30m move to Inter Milan.
With Jones potentially departing and Alexis Mac Allister only recently returning from international duty, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to anchor the midfield.
Rio Ngumoha could also be given the opportunity to deputise for Mohamed Salah.
Newcastle United possible XI
Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Ramsey, Steur; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula.
Liverpool Possible XI
Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-3 Liverpool
Newcastle’s tendency to score while also leaving themselves vulnerable defensively suggests they should have opportunities to trouble Liverpool.
However, the visitors appeared increasingly dangerous in attack as pre-season progressed, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak developing an encouraging understanding.
Liverpool’s attacking strength, combined with their impressive record against Newcastle under Iraola, makes them the more likely winners.
Prediction
Newcastle United 1-3 Liverpool.