Newcastle United vs Liverpool 25 Aug 2025

🔎 Overview

Newcastle United will host Liverpool at St James’ Park in what promises to be an electric Premier League showdown. Both teams come into this fixture looking to secure vital points early in the season, with Newcastle aiming to continue their impressive run from last year, while Liverpool, after a sluggish start, will be eager to get back on track.

The atmosphere in Newcastle is always charged, and the Magpies will be counting on their vocal supporters to spur them on against one of the league’s heavyweights. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back after a mixed start to the season, with manager Jürgen Klopp keen to see his side rediscover their winning form.

Newcastle United – Confident After Strong Opening

Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle United has been a team on the rise, building on their top-half finish from last season. They started the 2025–26 campaign with a solid 2–1 win against Wolves and are now looking to prove that they can challenge the traditional top six teams. The Toon Army will be in full voice, as Newcastle aims to make St James’ Park a fortress once again.

The team’s attacking play has been electric, with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson forming a potent strike partnership, while Bruno Guimarães remains the heart of the midfield. Kieran Trippier‘s set-piece deliveries and leadership at the back will also be crucial.

Key Players to Watch:

• Alexander Isak – The Swedish striker is one of the most exciting talents in the league and will be key in testing Liverpool’s defense.

• Bruno Guimarães – The Brazilian midfielder is crucial in dictating the tempo of the game and winning key battles in the midfield.

• Kieran Trippier – The right-back’s delivery and defensive solidity will be essential, especially in set-piece situations.

Liverpool – Needing a Bounce Back

Liverpool, coming off a disappointing 2024–25 season by their standards, are aiming to return to the top of English football. After a narrow 1–0 win against Bournemouth in their opener, Klopp’s side knows they can’t afford to slip up against an in-form Newcastle.

Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota remain Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking threats, and their ability to exploit space in transition will be critical against a team like Newcastle. The midfield, with the inclusion of new signing Alexis Mac Allister, will need to be more compact and aggressive to take control of the game, while Virgil van Dijk and Alisson will have to remain resolute in defense.

Key Players to Watch:

• Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian winger is one of the best in the world and will always be a threat with his pace and finishing ability.

• Darwin Núñez – The Uruguayan forward will be essential in stretching the defense and finishing chances.

• Virgil van Dijk – The Dutch defender’s leadership and presence will be vital in containing Isak and Wilson.

Tactical Breakdown:

Newcastle United:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3

• Strengths: High pressing game, counter-attacking, quick transitions

• Weaknesses: Vulnerability to fast counter-attacks, inconsistent against top-tier teams

• Tactics: Howe will look to press high, using the pace of Isak and Wilson to exploit space left by Liverpool’s full-backs. Trippier‘s set-piece delivery will be crucial for creating chances, while Guimarães will look to disrupt Liverpool’s midfield dominance.

Liverpool:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3

• Strengths: Fluid attacking play, width in attack, fast transitions

• Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, lack of control in the middle at times

• Tactics: Klopp will deploy his trademark high press to force mistakes, and his wingers will look to exploit space behind Newcastle’s defense. Mac Allister will anchor the midfield, with Salah and Núñez looking to stretch the pitch and create openings.

📊 Head-to-Head Stats