After a turbulent summer and almost three months since our last competitive meeting on home turf, Monday’s clash with Liverpool can’t come soon enough.
Liverpool arrive following a 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening day, while Newcastle return to Tyneside after last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.
It promises to be an electric atmosphere and feisty encounter, and we’ve been handed an early advantage based on some early team news arriving from Merseyside.
Arne Slot has revealed that new right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out of the game after suffering a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined until the end of September’s international break.
That could see Conor Bradley (who has only just returned to training) or Joe Gomez start in his place, if not versatile Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, with Liverpool lacking fit right-backs following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit.
As for the other good news, Newcastle welcome Joe Willock back well ahead of schedule this week, with new signing Jacob Ramsey also in line for his debut after training all week.
Willock was ruled out for up to six weeks earlier this month, but the midfielder was pictured back in training on Wednesday afternoon, alongside Ramsey following his £43m switch from Aston Villa.
Neither are likely to start, but it will boost Eddie Howe’s bench options once again, with Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale also pushing for starts after all were named in the squad last weekend.
Our lack of injuries is certainly a bonus – but I think Frimpong being out is a disappointment actually. I saw a way of getting at Liverpool down the flanks with their full backs getting so high.
Us not having a forward is also a bit of a 💩er as well really
Sharpy17(Quote)
Our pace will scare them
Fitchy(Quote)
The atmosphere on Monday night will be utterly awesome, something to behold and I’ll be surprised if the ref manages to get the whole match completed – the crowd will have only one thought on their minds, and it won’t involve anybody on the pitch!
davewallace(Quote)
Newcastle haven’t beaten Liverpool in the Prem League since 2017 (Lost 12 drawn 5). Liverpool were fighting for Champions League and Premiership title when we beat them in the Carabao (they had played 8 games more at that stage). Much as I would love Toon to win, with Etitike, Salah, Gakpo, Wirst etc, it would be a surprise, especially without a recognised striker, if we were to get something out of the game
rob(Quote)
Such a pity it had to turn out this way. I would loved to have Isak for this game. Its such a disappointment not to have gone into the match with the strongest team possible. Hopefully the lads can come up with a decent result anyway.
Michael(Quote)