Newcastle v Liverpool: A New Era at St James’ Park

St James’ Park gets the late-Sunday spotlight, and it comes with a twist: two new managers, two revamped line-ups, and one of the Premier League’s most watchable fixtures dropped right into the 4.30pm BST slot.

No easing in. This feels like a statement afternoon for both clubs.

Liverpool lean on familiar core, with a twist up front

Liverpool’s starting XI carries no real shocks, but there’s enough intrigue to keep eyes glued to the teamsheet.

Jeremy Jacquet is handed a major responsibility, partnering Virgil van Dijk at centre-back. If you want an early read on Liverpool’s defensive future, this pairing will tell plenty.

Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez offer pace and thrust from the full-back positions, hinting at an aggressive, front-foot approach. In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch line up together, a blend of power, technique and running that should dictate Liverpool’s tempo.

Further forward, Rio Ngumoha starts off the right, Florian Wirtz operates between the lines, and Cody Gakpo supports Alexander Isak. The headline there? Isak leads the line on his St James’ Park return, this time in Liverpool red, walking back into a stadium that knows him well and will have plenty to say about it.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak

Subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Mac Allister, Tsimikas, Munoz, Araujo, Nyoni, McConnell, Koumas

Newcastle hand debuts to new recruits

Across the technical area, Newcastle’s new era wastes no time in putting fresh faces on display.

Amar Dedic comes straight in at right-back for his debut, a clear sign of trust and a likely outlet on the overlap. Behind him, Lukas Hornicek starts in goal, another new arrival thrown straight into the fire against Liverpool’s attack.

Sean Steur is also in from the off in midfield, adding another layer of newness through the spine of the side.

Ahead of them, Yoane Wissa is expected to operate as a No 10, drifting into pockets and linking play, with Will Osula leading the line. Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes offer width and direct running, giving Newcastle plenty of pace on the break.

Newcastle United XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Steur; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula

Subs: Jaouen, Schar, Bamba, Toure, Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, Ramsey, Shahar

All eyes on the touchline – and the data

Two new managers, two reshaped sides, one charged atmosphere. Isak’s return in opposition colours adds another layer to an already loaded fixture, while the battle in midfield and out wide looks set to decide who controls the chaos.

For those tracking every angle, the Live Gameweek page and Match Centre will chart it all: scores, defensive contribution (DefCon) points, xG leaders and more as the match unfolds.

On the pitch, though, the numbers can wait. At St James’ Park, this feels like the start of something for both clubs – and only one of them will walk away with the first big marker of their new era.