Liverpool Faces Newcastle United in Season Opener Under New Management
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola leads his team into a competitive match for the first time as Liverpool takes on Newcastle United in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 season.
The Reds embark on the new Premier League season amid various uncertainties about their squad, which Iraola himself acknowledged was “thin” in multiple areas.
Advertisement
Despite these concerns, the team is optimistic about challenging for the title, with players such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and new signing Jeremy Jacquet anticipated to make significant impacts this season.
Newcastle also begins a new chapter this season with Matthias Jaissle stepping in for the long-serving Eddie Howe during the summer.
Jaissle faces challenges after losing players like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon over the transfer window.
Securing a victory in this crucial opener against Liverpool would provide an ideal start for Jaissle as he aims to win over the Newcastle supporters.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Advertisement
When is Newcastle vs Liverpool?
Newcastle hosts Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday, August 23, with kick-off scheduled for 4.30pm BST.
How can I watch it?
In the UK, viewers can catch the match on Sky Sports Main Event, following coverage of Manchester City vs Bournemouth. Those without a Sky subscription can obtain a NOWTV Day Pass to view the match without a subscription.
Team news
Newcastle’s new signing Lukas Hornicek starts in goal, with Amar Dedic and Sean Steur making their Premier League debuts. Yoane Wissa leads the attack, taking the spot over Nick Woltemade. The team will miss two important players, as both Joelinton and Tino Livramento are sidelined.
Advertisement
Leading Liverpool’s attack will be Alexander Isak as he returns to St James’ Park, where he is expected to face the crowd’s jeers. Jeremy Jacquet also debuts in the center of defense alongside captain Virgil Van Dijk, with young starlet Rio Ngumoha starting ahead of fellow new recruit Victor Munoz.
Confirmed line-ups
Newcastle XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Steur; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola takes charge of the Reds in a competitive fixture for the first time as they face Newcastle United in their opening game of the 2026/27 season.
The Reds begin the new Premier League season with plenty of questions surrounding the squad, which Iraola has himself admitted was “thin” in some areas.
Advertisement
But hopes are high as Liverpool once again hope to challenge for the title, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and new signing Jeremy Jacquet expected to shine this year.
As for Newcastle, they are another club starting a new era this season, with Matthias Jaissle having replaced the long-serving Eddie Howe over the summer.
The German has his work cut out after losing the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon over the summer.
But a win in a huge opening game against Liverpool would be the perfect start as he looks to endear himself to the Magpies faithful.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Advertisement
When is Newcastle vs Liverpool?
Newcastle host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday 23 August, with kick-off at 4.30pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage following Manchester City vs Bournemouth. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Team news
Newcastle new boy Lukas Hornicek starts in between the sticks while Amar Dedic and Sean Steur also make their Premier League debuts. Yoane Wissa is preferred to Nick Woltemade up front. Newcastle will only be without two members of the squad, though it is two key members as both Joelinton and Tino Livramento are sidelined.
Advertisement
Alexander Isak leads the line on his return to St James’ Park, preparing to assume the role of public enemy number one at his former stomping grounds. Jeremy Jacquet also makes a debut in the centre of defence alongside captain Virgil Van Dijk, while there’s a start for young starlet Rio Ngumoha ahead of fellow new boy Victor Munoz.
Confirmed line-ups
Newcastle XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Steur; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
[/gpt3]