Liverpool continue their title defence on bank holiday Monday in a game which could be one for the ages.

The new season has already begun and despite it still only being August, the Reds are preparing for one of their toughest fixtures of the season.

They travel to St James’ Park for Monday night football to take on Newcastle United in a game that has everything it needs to be one for the history books.

Liverpool fans notice Hugo Ekitike quietly did something ‘superb’ vs Bournemouth after watching game back	Slot has big decision to make as new signing could be axed for ‘outstanding’ star for Newcastle game – opinion	Arne Slot confirms huge Liverpool injury blow which could force serious rethink for Reds boss

Arne Slot’s side might be fearing for the worst due to everything that is going on with Alexander Isak, with the Magpies desperate to get one over on Liverpool after the summer they have had to endure.

And, if omens are anything to go by, they might manage to do just that, with the referee that has been assigned to the game likely not going to go down too well with Liverpool fans.

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

For some people, the name of referees might not ring any bells, but for a lot of Liverpool supporters, it is safe to say that Simon Hooper is not the most liked.

Hooper was in charge during the Tottenham vs Liverpool game in 2023, which infamously had one of the most controversial Premier League moments in it.

Luis Diaz saw his goal ruled out for offside, with a VAR review proving that this was not the case and it should be allowed.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

However, a miscommunication between Hooper and those at Stockley Park meant the goal was not given and a free-kick was awarded to Spurs, a situation that has never happened before and not occurred since.

READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister makes claim about former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold at the PFA awards

Although this perhaps is not Hooper’s fault, to make matters worse for Reds fans, he also sent off both Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones in that game, with the latter a very contentious decision.

Of course, referees are only human at the end of the day but this mistake was certainly bad, with Liverpool fans hoping nothing similar happens as officiating Monday’s game might need everyone on top form.

It goes without saying that neutrals will absolutely love Monday’s clash, but Liverpool fans will not be looking forward to it as much.

With the Isak saga still bubbling away, it is safe to say that Newcastle fans, and players for that matter, are not too happy, and they will want to do everything they can to get the win.

With a midfield of Bruno Guimarees and, specifically, Joelinton, you are never far away from a controversy, with Slot hoping that all his players manage to make it out without an injury.

It might only be gameweek two but this one has all the hallmarks of a top Premier League match-up, but which way the pendulum swings is impossible to tell.


For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.