Newcastle’s Isak Drama Adds Tension to Liverpool EPL Clash

Liverpool and Newcastle matches always bring excitement. Monday’s clash carries extra tension as Liverpool want to stretch their impressive 17-game unbeaten Premier League run against the Magpies since 2015. Newcastle faces a tough situation now. They haven’t scored in three straight league matches – something that hasn’t happened since February 2020. The team’s scoring problems directly relate to Alexander Isak’s absence, as they’ve struggled to score in their last four games without their key striker.

The Alexander Isak Liverpool Newcastle transfer story adds more drama to this matchup. The forward stated on Instagram that promises were “broken” and his relationship with the club “can’t continue”. Isak won’t play against Liverpool, but Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s board haven’t completely dismissed chances of working things out. Liverpool stands as clear favorites, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 44.1% chance to win. Newcastle did beat Liverpool in last season’s EFL Cup final, but history strongly favors the visitors who have won 12 and drawn five of their last 17 league meetings.

Isak transfer saga disrupts Newcastle preparations

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The Alexander Isak transfer saga has hurt Newcastle’s preparations ahead of their Monday clash with Liverpool. The situation took a dramatic turn after the Swedish striker made his desire to leave the club public.

Isak accuses club of broken promises

Alexander Isak spoke out through an explosive Instagram statement that accused Newcastle of breaking their promises. “When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now,” Isak wrote. He said the club knew his position and was now “misleading” people by acting as if these problems had just surfaced. The 25-year-old striker made it clear that “change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself”.

Howe responds to public fallout

Eddie Howe called the standoff a “lose-lose situation” for both sides. Newcastle’s manager hasn’t seen or spoken to Isak for a week. “It’s a difficult situation from both sides and it’s far from ideal for both parties,” Howe stated. In spite of that, he managed to keep hope that Isak would be welcomed back into the squad if he stays after the transfer window closes. “If Alex is to play for Newcastle again, he has to be totally committed,” Howe emphasized.

Isak trains alone amid Liverpool interest

Isak has trained separately from the first team since his public statement. He trained at his former club Real Sociedad’s facilities in Spain—a move some sources described as “against the wishes of Newcastle”. Isak had to train later than the main squad after returning to England and wasn’t included in a family day at the training ground. He won’t play in Monday’s match against Liverpool.

Timeline of Alexander Isak Liverpool Newcastle transfer

Liverpool kicked off the saga by showing interest in signing Isak, and the player told Newcastle he wanted to explore his options. Liverpool put forward a £110m bid that Newcastle rejected right away. Isak skipped the PFA awards ceremony after this rejection, despite his selection in the PFA team of the year. Howe said the situation “looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly” as the September 1 transfer deadline approaches.

Liverpool exploit Newcastle’s attacking void

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Newcastle’s attacking power has disappeared at the worst time as Alexander Isak sits out amid transfer rumors. Liverpool will see this as a chance to exploit the attacking gap left by his absence.

Newcastle fail to score in three straight games

The Magpies have crashed into an offensive wall. They haven’t scored in three straight Premier League matches – something that hasn’t happened since February 2020. This goal drought explains how much Newcastle United FC depends on Isak’s ability to finish. The team had scored in 14 straight league games before this dry spell, which shows just how different their attack looks now.

Eddie Howe’s team couldn’t have picked a worse time to face Liverpool, a team that has always given them trouble. The numbers tell a clear story – Newcastle’s expected goals (xG) have dropped by almost 40% in games without Isak starting. On top of that, their shot accuracy has plummeted from 48.7% to 32.1% since he’s been gone.

Anthony Gordon doesn’t deal very well with Isak’s role

Gordon usually shines when cutting in from the left wing, but he’s been pushed into playing as a central striker without much luck. His scoring rate as a central forward is only 9.3%, way below his 22.7% from his usual wide position. The England international looks uncomfortable playing with his back to goal and lacks the strength to hold up play against Premier League defenders.

Gordon scored just once in five pre-season games as a central striker. He tends to drift wide instead of staying in the central areas where Isak usually controls the game, which throws off Newcastle’s attacking rhythm.

Liverpool’s defense still vulnerable despite win

Liverpool’s defensive problems might give Newcastle some hope, even with their scoring troubles. The Reds’ defensive setup remains a work in progress under new manager Arne Slot. Teams have already exposed their high defensive line twice this season, scoring four goals in their first three games.

Liverpool looks especially shaky on their right side when Andy Robertson pushes forward. This creates space that Newcastle’s left-sided attackers could use to their advantage. Moving Gordon back to his preferred position might help the hosts exploit this weakness.

Salah leads Liverpool’s charge with historic record

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Mohamed Salah stands as Liverpool’s talisman ahead of their Newcastle clash while the Alexander Isak story continues to unfold. The Egyptian star’s remarkable track record against the Magpies could make all the difference at St. James’ Park.

Salah’s 18 goal contributions vs Newcastle

Liverpool’s star forward has made Newcastle his favorite target throughout his career at Anfield. His numbers tell the story – 11 goals and 7 assists in just 13 games across all competitions. Salah’s dominance shines through his streak of scoring in six straight Premier League matches against Newcastle from 2018 to 2021. The Premier League has seen only three players score more goals against Newcastle than Salah: Thierry Henry leads with 14, followed by Alan Shearer with 13, and Wayne Rooney with 12.

Liverpool’s 36-game scoring streak on the line

Arne Slot’s team brings their impressive 36-game scoring run in league matches to Newcastle. The Reds last drew a blank in a Premier League game back in April 2022. Their attacking prowess contrasts sharply with Newcastle’s current struggles in front of goal. The streak faces a real test as Liverpool’s away form shows just 1.3 goals per game in their last seven matches – well below what they usually score.

Slot’s attacking options: Chiesa, Federico, Gakpo

Salah isn’t Slot’s only weapon for this crucial match. Federico Chiesa waits in the wings after showing promise in brief appearances, while new signing Hugo Ekitike adds fresh firepower. Cody Gakpo has already proved his worth with two goals in three games this season. This wealth of attacking talent gives Slot plenty of options, even as predictions lean toward a Liverpool victory.

Head-to-head history favors Liverpool dominance

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The visitors hold a commanding lead in the historical head-to-head record between these Northern powerhouses before Monday’s clash at St. James’ Park.

Liverpool unbeaten in 17 EPL games vs Newcastle

Liverpool’s historical dominance shapes this fixture as they remain undefeated in their previous 17 Premier League encounters with Newcastle United FC. This impressive streak dates back to December 2015, when an own goal from Martin Skrtel and a strike from future Red Georginio Wijnaldum secured a 2-0 win for the Magpies. Liverpool have racked up 12 victories and 5 draws during this 17-match run. The total head-to-head record tells the story clearly—Liverpool’s 94 wins tower over Newcastle’s 50.

Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win: anomaly or turning point?

Newcastle showed promise by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in last season’s Carabao Cup final. This win marked their first triumph over Liverpool in any competition since December 2015. The Magpies had struggled through 18 unsuccessful meetings before this (D5 L12). Questions linger whether this cup victory signals a real shift or stands as just a brief interruption in Liverpool’s dominance.

Opta prediction: 44.1% chance of Liverpool win

The sophisticated Opta supercomputer favors Liverpool with a 44.1% chance of victory based on 10,000 match simulations. Newcastle’s Premier League drought at Anfield stretches back to April 1994 under Kevin Keegan’s management.

The shadow of Alexander Isak’s saga looms large over Newcastle’s preparations for Monday’s clash. The Magpies face a tough challenge against Liverpool without their Swedish talisman. Their scoring struggles tell a clear story – three games without a goal since Isak’s absence, while Liverpool comes to St. James’ Park with an impressive 36-game scoring run.

Football doesn’t always follow the numbers though. Liverpool dominates the head-to-head stats with 12 wins from their last 17 Premier League games. But Newcastle showed they can beat the odds with their Carabao Cup victory last season. The timing couldn’t be worse for Eddie Howe’s team that’s dealing with internal issues.

Mohamed Salah stands out as the main threat with his incredible 18 goal contributions against Newcastle. Arne Slot’s tactical flexibility gives Liverpool many attacking options. The Magpies need to find their scoring touch fast, especially with Anthony Gordon struggling in the center.

This match means more than just points on the table. Newcastle wants to show they can score goals without relying on one player. Liverpool aims to prove they’re real title contenders under new management. The Isak transfer drama adds extra spice to an already exciting fixture, whatever happens with the striker’s potential move to Anfield before the window closes.