Odds:
| Newcastle | Draw | Liverpool | |
| American | +240 | +280 | +100 |
| Decimal | 3.40 | 3.80 | 2.00 |
| Fractional | 12/5 | 14/5 | 1/1 |
The Alexander Isak derby between Newcastle United and Liverpool kicks off on Monday as the final match of matchweek 2 in the English Premier League when Liverpool travel to St. James’ Park.
Last Season Head-to-Head in All Competitions:
Last season, Newcastle and Liverpool couldn’t be separated, one win apiece and a draw in all competitions left things finely balanced heading into this clash.
Newcastle United Team News
No surprises up front: Alexander Isak remains sidelined. The good news for Eddie Howe is that Isak could be the only absentee, with Joe Willock back in training and pushing for a spot in Monday’s squad.
New £33m signing Jacob Ramsey is also expected to feature, likely from the bench, as he looks to mark his debut in black and white.
Liverpool Team News:
At right-back, Arne Slot faces a selection headache. Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined until after the international break, while Connor Bradley is still working his way back and isn’t ready to start. That leaves Joe Gomez as the probable option, though he too is returning from injury and may not last the full 90 minutes.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch is back from suspension and ready to make his season debut, giving Liverpool a timely boost.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Newcastle Lineup Notes:
Jacob Ramsey is expected to make his Newcastle debut on Monday, though it’s unclear whether he’ll start or come off the bench – I’m leaning towards the latter.
Joe Willock is also on his way back from injury, and Magpies fans could get a glimpse of him as well, most likely as a substitute.
Given that, I expect Eddie Howe to stick with an unchanged starting XI for this clash against Liverpool.
Liverpool Lineup Notes:
Ryan Gravenberch returns from suspension and should walk straight into Arne Slot’s starting XI as the holding midfielder. As for his partner, I’d like to see Alexis Mac Allister given the nod after Dominik Szoboszlai’s poor outing against Bournemouth, where his errors directly led to Liverpool conceding.
With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined and Connor Bradley unlikely to be ready, Joe Gomez looks the most realistic option at right-back.
Match Preview
Newcastle are still searching for a reliable source of goals after opening the season with a frustrating 0-0 draw against a 10-man Aston Villa. Sixteen attempts produced just three shots on target — hardly convincing from their attack. That said, Newcastle remain a dangerous counter-attacking side, and Liverpool’s vulnerability to quick breaks could hand them opportunities. The challenge will be whether Newcastle’s forwards can turn those moments into goals.
Liverpool’s right-back situation is the big talking point. With Jeremie Frimpong out and Connor Bradley not ready, Joe Gomez looks set to fill in — but neither offer the attacking thrust that makes Frimpong so vital. Without him, Liverpool’s right-hand outlet loses much of its edge, leaving Mohamed Salah to shoulder the burden alone.
Slot’s side already lean heavily on their left flank, often overloading with numbers before switching play across to Salah and Frimpong in space. Without that balance, their attack could look one-dimensional.
Up front, Liverpool’s lack of a reliable backup striker remains a concern. When Hugo Ekitike was withdrawn, Slot had to shift to a strikerless setup — a gamble that hurt them against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield and nearly cost them again versus Bournemouth.
Expect a scrappy, high-tension battle on Monday. Newcastle are still searching for someone to finish their chances, and for that reason, I lean towards Liverpool edging this one.
Betting Picks:
Ekitike (LIV) 1+ Shot on Target (SoT)
Odds:
- American: -188
- Decimal: 1.53
- Fractional: 8/15
Hugo Ekitike has made a strong start to his Liverpool career, looking sharp and dangerous whenever he’s involved. The Reds clearly view him as a focal point, feeding him the ball in advanced areas to create quality shooting opportunities.
He opened his account in the FA Community Shield against Crystal Palace, scoring from three shots with one on target. A week later, in Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, Ekitike again impressed – four shots, two on target, and another goal.
Liverpool will continue to play through him in dangerous situations, and I expect him to get more chances to test the goalkeeper here.
Pick: Ekitike (LIV) 1+ Shot on Target (SoT)
Anthony Gordon (NEW) and Mohammed Salah (LIV) each to have 2+ shots
Odds:
- American: -116
- Decimal: 1.86
- Fractional: 43/50
Liverpool have shown real vulnerability to counter-attacks. Both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth exposed them by going direct, and Newcastle’s pace up front means Gordon will certainly get opportunities to test the keeper. When Gordon drifts out to the left-hand side on the counter, he may find decent success in going one-on-one against Gomez or Bradley should he get the opportunity to do so. He fired off an incredible seven shots against Villa, and after averaging 2.35 shots per match in the 24/25 season, that number looks set to rise without Isak leading the line.
For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah remains as dangerous as ever – aside from his shaky penalty record. He averaged 3.23 shots per game last season and opened this campaign with three attempts, scoring once against Bournemouth. Against Newcastle last year, Salah averaged 2.33 shots across their three meetings in all competitions. Liverpool’s current left-sided build-up and progressive play often creates space for Salah on the right to finish chances.
With Gordon looking to lead the Magpies attack and Salah always finding ways to get shots away, I see both players having multiple efforts in this matchup.
Pick: Anthony Gordon (NEW) & Mohamed Salah (LIV) each 2+ shots
