Game Week 1 Predictions: Liverpool to beat Newcastle

Newcastle vs Liverpool preview: Iraola’s Reds visit St James’ as two new bosses and depleted squads open the season.

Liverpool and Newcastle step out on Sunday with new managers at the helm. How will this fixture pan out? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 Newcastle vs Liverpool

St. James's Park

4:30pm

Liverpool had an indifferent season last time out, and that resulted in the sacking of Arne Slot, just a year after landing the Premier League title for the Kops.

It was even a tougher one for Newcastle. The European football stretched the Magpies, and the sale of top striker Alexander Isak didn't help matters, either. How will Newcastle United approach the new season, considering the mass exodus from the club?

Both sides have lots in common. Both are among the nine clubs in the Premier League with new managers. Andoni Iraola joined Liverpool from Bournemouth following the sacking of Slot, while Mattias Jaissle will lead the Magpies out as he replaces Eddie. How about in the dugout?

Newcastle will be without Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. It's tough to see how the Magpies will cope without their top two midfielders this season. Kieran Trippier has left too, and the likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock could leave too, according to reports.

For Liverpool, Jacquet has become quite inspirational in defense since arriving in the summer. The loss of Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson weakened an already weak defense, but Liverpool is expected to bring in another defensive cover this summer.

Up the field, Liverpool will start life without Mohammed Salah this weekend. Cody Gakpo is another player who seeks to leave, and we don't know what version of Isak would spring forte this season. It's a tricky game to predict but would be fun to watch.

Aladji Bamba, Bazoumana Toure, and Amar Dedic are among the new signings at Newcastle, but can they get the Magpies over the line? Their new manager from the Saudi Pro League has points to prove. Can he start on a high?

Liverpool isn't anywhere near anyone's favorite to win the league this season, but they won it from the same position two seasons ago. Dominic Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are still the ones pulling strings in the midfield for Liverpool. Is this a season to remember again?

Verdict: Liverpool to win.