Match preview between Newcastle and Liverpool: lineups, officials, TV, and kickoff time

After picking up four points from their first two games of the season, Liverpool now face a tough away game against Newcastle with the aim of back-to-back wins.

Liverpool have certainly shown signs that they can return to peak performance this season, but it will take a lot of work. After earning a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the Reds bounced back from a 1-0 deficit at Bournemouth to eventually win the game 3-1, despite losing to a controversial red card from Alexis. Mac Allister was shorthanded in the second half.

Liverpool’s attack has never been a problem – they have plenty of firepower, even when facing a serious test against one of last season’s best defensive units. However, it’s Liverpool’s defense that sometimes lets them down and with the Magpies scoring five goals against Aston Villa on the opening matchday of the season, things could get tough if Liverpool aren’t at the top of the game.

Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp is hoping for a strong start and the game has everything it takes to be a success.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game.

KICK-OFF, DATE AND STADIUM

• Date: Sunday, 27 August 2023
• Kick-off time: 16:30 BST / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
• Stadium: St James’ Park (52,305 capacity)

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDING

Liverpool and Newcastle have met 185 times in history, with the Reds winning 91 games, drawing 44 and losing 50.

During the Jurgen Klopp era, Liverpool enjoyed incredible success against Newcastle. The Reds boss has only been beaten by the Magpies once since joining the club and that defeat came in his first game at Tyneside in October 2015 (Liverpool lost 2-0). Since that day, Klopp has recorded four draws and nine wins against Newcastle, and was the only manager to beat Eddie Howe both home and away last season, despite Liverpool having a difficult season and Newcastle fans are enjoying their best season since the mid-1990s.
.

WHERE TO WATCH NEWCASTLE VS LIVERPOOL ON TV
For UK viewers, Chelsea vs Liverpool can be watched live on Sky Sports.

In Europe the game is available on DAZN.
Vewers in the US can watch on USA Network and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV.

WHO WILL REFEREE THE CLASH

John Brooks will referee Liverpool’s match against Newcastle United on Sunday, with Lee Betts and Akil Howson as assistants and Craig Pawson as fourth official. Meanwhile, Stuart Attwell will be in charge of VAR at Stockley Park, while Constantine Hatzkidakis will act as VAR assistant.

LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled in the tunnel after being substituted in the second half against Bournemouth last weekend and spent the rest of the game in the treatment room.

Although it spooked Liverpool fans, Klopp has since played down serious injury rumours, insisting the Scouser was merely on the wane of a painful injury.

Alexander-Arnold should be fit and ready to face Newcastle on Sunday, but if not Joe Gomez is likely to take his place as a substitute.

Luis Diaz was another player to suffer a hit in the match against Bournemouth after equalizing with an acrobatic finish. However, the issue would once again be minor as the Colombian is expected this week.

Curtis Jones was absent from the squad last weekend after suffering a minor ankle injury in training, but alongside Stefan Bajcetic – who was on the bench against Bournemouth after a long absence – both players are expected to be available this week.

Thiago Alcantara has also not been seen this season as the Spaniard is closer to a return after undergoing surgery for a persistent hip problem before the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

It remains to be seen whether any of the above features will play against Newcastle on Sunday and will be decided in this week’s training session.

One player who will be available however is Alexis Mac Allister. In an official statement on Tuesday night, the FA lifted the Argentine’s three-match gross misconduct ban after Liverpool successfully appealed. It will be a welcome relief and a big boost for the tough away game.

NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS
Newcastle’s biggest injury problem is none other than Joelinton. The Brazilian has enjoyed a stellar season in central midfield and many are eager to see him continue that momentum until 2023/24.

However, the player suffered a limping injury just after an hour against Manchester City last weekend and is a doubt for the game against Liverpool. Joelinton’s midfield team-mate Joe Willock will also be unavailable for the match, having suffered a hamstring injury which will keep the Englishman out until after the international break.

PREDICTED LINEUP

Here’s how Liverpool could start their game against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon:

(4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota

FORECAST

A trip to Newcastle is never easy and the match is associated with some of the most exciting and famous fixtures in Premier League history.

It will probably be the most important test of the season for Liverpool so far. The Reds have a good record against the Magpies and both teams can score for fun.

Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool