Newcastle vs Liverpool LIVE: Isak faces hostile Premier League return after emotional Kevin Keegan tributes
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Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces a charged return to Newcastle (Getty)Newcastle host Liverpool in the Premier League’s late kick off this afternoon with both clubs having undergone managerial changes in the summer break. Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool having replaced Arne Slot.
He will be hoping to bring the best out of Alexander Isak, who faces a hostile return to St James’ Park, and Florian Wirtz who underperformed in their first season with the Reds while also figuring out how exactly Liverpool can replace Mohamed Salah who has departed for Turkey. It is also set to be an emotional afternoon at St James’ Park as Newcastle and Liverpool join together to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, who was a legendary figure at both clubs.
James’ Park with our live blog below: Iraola will be without four members of his first-team squad, with Joe Gomez, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni all sidelined for the first few weeks of the season at least.Chris Wilson23 August 2026 15:04Team newsNewcastle will only be without two members of the squad, though it is two key members as both Joelinton and Tino Livramento are sidelined.Chris Wilson23 August 2026 15:02Newcastle v Liverpool liveNew 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.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.Chris Wilson23 August 2026 15:00Good afternoonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s Premier League game between Newcastle and Liverpool. It’s a new era for both sides as they open the campaign with new faces in charge, with both Andoni Iraola and Matthias Jassle taking charge of their first competitive games for their new clubs.