St James’ Park will be a cauldron of noise tonight as Newcastle United host Liverpool in their first home game of the season, with kickoff set for 8pm under the lights.
It’s a Bank Holiday blockbuster with added drama: Alexander Isak’s future continues to dominate headlines, while Liverpool arrive on Tyneside with new signing Hugo Ekitike, a player Newcastle long pursued, set to feature.
It is also the first time the two sides will meet after Newcastle defeated Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup last season, breaking a 70 year trophy drought.
Arne Slot Knows What Awaits: “You Know What to Expect”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is under no illusions about the atmosphere his side will face.
“St James’ Park, it is, yeah?” Slot asked earlier this week, with a wry smile when previewing the fixture.
“It’s nothing to do with anything that’s in the media. If you go to Newcastle, you know what to expect.
“We played them three times last season and their intensity levels were twice above ours.”
“In the away game (a 3-3 draw in December), especially the first 60 minutes, they were so intense. They fully deserved the lead and in the League Cup final they were more intense than us.”
So I don’t think they need anything to add if they play at St James’ Park.”
Eddie Howe: “Use the Energy From the Crowd”
Newcastle head coach, Eddie Howe, who has transformed the club since taking over in 2021, knows his side will need to channel the emotion in the stadium.
“We have got to concentrate on what we need to do and not get too emotional, but certainly use the energy from the crowd,” Howe said.
“It’s going to be vital for us.”
That crowd has been a weapon under Howe. Newcastle have lost only 12 Premier League home games since he took charge, and last season they were unbeaten at St James’ Park against Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs.
Liverpool’s £69m Man: Ekitike’s Homecoming
Tonight also marks the St James’ Park debut of Liverpool’s new striker Hugo Ekitike, a player Newcastle spent years tracking.
Howe’s admiration was evident:
“There’s no doubt I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years. He was someone we tracked for a long time,” Howe admitted.
Newcastle attempted to sign the Frenchman three times in three-and-a-half years, with their first move in January 2022.
Ultimately, Ekitike opted for Liverpool in a £69m deal from Eintracht Frankfurt, having impressed in Germany after a difficult spell at PSG.
Isak Transfer Drama Lingers
The Ekitike deal has indirectly fueled the ongoing Isak saga. Newcastle’s inability to land the French striker or Benjamin Sesko (who joined Manchester United) has left them scrambling for reinforcements.
Liverpool have yet to table an offer that truly tests Newcastle’s resolve, but with the window closing on 1 September, speculation is rife.
The Stage Is Set
Newcastle defeated Liverpool in last season’s Carabao Cup final, and with a packed St James’ Park roaring them on, the Magpies are relishing their first home game of the season.
“It’s going to be special. We need the energy and intensity we showed in that cup run. The fans always play their part,” said Howe.
The battle kicks off at 8pm tonight. All eyes will be on Isak, Ekitike, and a Newcastle side determined to prove they remain one of the toughest tests in England.
