Newcastle United vs Liverpool Preview: New Bosses, Big Ambitions and a Huge Opener

A new era begins for both Newcastle United and Liverpool on Sunday afternoon when the two sides meet at St James’ Park in their opening fixture of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4.30pm, with Matthias Jaissle taking charge of Newcastle for his first competitive match and Andoni Iraola beginning life as Liverpool boss.

Newcastle ended pre-season without a win in their final three games, while Liverpool signed off their preparations with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Como.

Newcastle United

It has been another summer of significant change on Tyneside, with Newcastle now without Eddie Howe, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon following a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

The club’s takeover in 2021 raised expectations that Newcastle could develop into one of English football’s dominant forces, but progress has been less straightforward than anticipated.

The Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League last season, their joint-lowest position of the decade and their first finish that low since the 2020-21 campaign.

In response, Newcastle have appointed 38-year-old Jaissle, who arrives with six trophies to his name from spells with Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli.

The German’s arrival followed a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Bristol City, while Newcastle’s subsequent preparations produced mixed results. They beat Valencia, but then lost to Everton and Bayer Leverkusen before drawing with Strasbourg.

Newcastle scored in all four of those matches, but also conceded in each one.

That trend has been particularly noticeable at St James’ Park, where the Magpies have both scored and conceded in each of their last seven Premier League home fixtures. Another game with goals at both ends on Sunday would see them equal the club record for doing so in eight consecutive home league matches.

There are, however, reasons for Newcastle supporters to be optimistic ahead of the opener. The Magpies have avoided defeat in each of their last four Premier League opening-day fixtures, while Jaissle has won his first match in charge at each of his previous three clubs.

Liverpool

Iraola does not possess quite the same record in opening matches as his Newcastle counterpart, having won just one of his first four games in charge of Bournemouth, Rayo Vallecano, Mirandes and AEK Larnaca.

However, he avoided defeat in all four of those fixtures and has already generated plenty of excitement among the Liverpool support.

The Spaniard was appointed as Arne Slot’s successor with hopes that he can restore the intense, high-energy football associated with Jurgen Klopp’s successful reign.

There were encouraging signs during pre-season, with Liverpool scoring 20 goals across their six matches, an average of more than three per game.

The Reds conceded nine times across their first four friendlies, but finished preparations with consecutive clean sheets, including the 2-0 success against Como.

Liverpool also carry an impressive record into Sunday’s contest, having gone unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League opening-day fixtures.

Iraola can point to an even longer unbeaten run of his own, having guided Bournemouth through an 18-match unbeaten Premier League sequence on their way to Europa League qualification.

The Liverpool boss also has a strong personal record against Newcastle, having never lost to the Magpies in the top flight. His teams have recorded three wins and three draws against them.

The Reds will also remember their most recent visit to St James’ Park fondly, having produced a dramatic 3-2 victory in this fixture last season.

Team news

Newcastle’s midfield has been hit by departures and injuries during the summer, with Jaissle confirming that Joelinton will miss a couple of weeks because of a groin injury.

That could hand Sean Steur or Aladji Bamba, both summer arrivals, a chance to make their full competitive debuts.

Tino Livramento remains sidelined with the calf problem that ruled him out of England’s World Cup squad, potentially allowing another new signing, Amar Dedic, to start at right-back.

Lukas Hornicek is also expected to make his Premier League debut in goal.

Yoane Wissa could feature in the number 10 position, with Nick Woltemade and Will Osula among the options to lead the attack.

Liverpool are also dealing with several fitness concerns.

Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery from an Achilles problem. Joe Gomez is also working his way back from a fresh muscular issue suffered during pre-season.

Curtis Jones has been dealing with an apparent hip problem and is also on the verge of a £30m move to Inter Milan.

With Jones potentially departing and Alexis Mac Allister only just returning following his World Cup involvement, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai could form Liverpool’s midfield pairing.

Rio Ngumoha is expected to deputise for Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian not available for the opener.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool

The meeting offers both managers an immediate test as they begin new chapters at their respective clubs.

Newcastle’s home advantage and strong opening-day record will give the hosts confidence, but Liverpool arrive with an impressive unbeaten record in Premier League season openers and a manager who has yet to lose against the Magpies.

With both sides looking to establish their identity under new management, St James’ Park should provide a lively setting for the first major test of the 2026-27 campaign.

FAQs

When is Newcastle United vs Liverpool?
Newcastle United vs Liverpool takes place on Sunday, with kick-off at 4.30pm.

Where is Newcastle United vs Liverpool being played?
The match will be played at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

Who is Newcastle United’s new manager?
Matthias Jaissle is Newcastle’s new head coach and will take charge of his first competitive match against Liverpool.

Who is Liverpool’s new manager?
Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool manager ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Can I book Liverpool hospitality with Eventmasters?
Yes. Eventmasters offers hospitality experiences for selected Liverpool fixtures, providing premium matchday packages for supporters, businesses and groups.