Liverpool's Premier League Opener at St. James' Park

Liverpool’s new Premier League season starts not with a gentle warm‑up, but with a trip into the noise and needle of St. James’ Park.

Arsenal have already laid down an early marker, brushing aside Coventry 3-0 at the Emirates thanks to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. The champions look sharp. Liverpool now have to answer.

An opener loaded with emotion

Sunday on Tyneside will be about far more than three points. Newcastle and Liverpool will unite in tributes to the late Kevin Keegan, a man who defined eras at both clubs and shaped how each fanbase sees itself. Expect scarves raised, eyes wet, and a stadium that feels like it’s humming before a ball is kicked.

Then the mood will harden.

Because this is also Alexander Isak’s return.

The Sweden international left Newcastle in acrimonious fashion last summer, forcing through a British record move to Liverpool worth $170 million (£125m). He skipped last August’s 3-2 Liverpool win at St. James’ Park during a strike, then missed the Reds’ 4-1 victory over Newcastle in January with a broken leg. Two Liverpool wins, no Isak on the pitch, but his shadow hung over both.

On Sunday, there is nowhere to hide. With Hugo Ekitike out after tearing his Achilles tendon last season, Isak will lead the line for Liverpool, straight back into the arena he walked away from. The reception will be hostile. It will also be relentless.

Iraola’s hand: a new-look Liverpool

Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League lineup as Liverpool boss is starting to take shape.

Alisson is expected to start in goal, behind a back four that underlines the club’s summer reset: Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, Milos Kerkez on the left, and a central pairing built around Virgil van Dijk. Who partners the captain is where it gets interesting.

Liverpool spent $74 million (£55m) on Jeremy Jacquet, a fee that screams “starter” rather than “project”. The 21-year-old impressed on his debut against Como and has quickly pushed himself into the conversation. Ronald Araujo, brought in on loan from Barcelona, offers heavyweight experience and aggression, and Iraola could easily turn to him for a fiery away opener like this.

But the money, and the momentum, point towards Jacquet getting the nod alongside Van Dijk.

In midfield, Iraola is set to lean on energy and control. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to sit at the base, a double pivot with legs, height and a willingness to drive the ball forward. Alexis Mac Allister, still short of full fitness after a draining summer World Cup campaign with Argentina, is unlikely to start and may be eased back.

Ahead of them, Liverpool’s shape hints at a bold, attacking intent. Florian Wirtz is likely to operate as the central creator, with Cody Gakpo cutting in from the left and Rio Ngumoha from the right behind Isak.

Ngumoha back where he broke Newcastle hearts

For Ngumoha, this ground already carries a personal echo.

Almost a year ago to the day, he delivered a dramatic injury-time winner at St. James’ Park, capping a wild 3-2 Liverpool comeback and silencing a stunned home crowd. That night felt like a breakout moment, the kind of goal that turns a promising youngster into a name every away end sings.

He returns now with a bigger role, more responsibility, and the same stage.

Isak walks back into the storm he helped create. Ngumoha revisits the scene of his first great act. Iraola steps into the Premier League spotlight with a reshaped XI and a demanding trip.

Arsenal have already flexed. On Sunday in Newcastle, Liverpool discover how ready they are to chase.