Two teams looking for a bounce-back season with new head coaches at the helm will aim to get their campaigns off to the perfect start when Newcastle United host Liverpool.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe Eddie Howe era will be remembered fondly around St. James’ Park, but his summer exit along with those of big-name players Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimarães have left the Magpies needing to rebuild.Matthias Jaissle is the new man in charge looking to revive the north-east giants after their 12th-placed finish last term – their worst season-ending Premier League position for five years – and he brings with him the good omen of having won his first game at his previous three clubs.He should feel confident about repeating that feat, as Newcastle haven't lost their opening league match in the last four campaigns (W3, D1).##NAJAVA_MECA_9907034##Liverpool went from champions to fifth-placed finishers last term, resulting in Arne Slot getting sacked and being replaced by former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. He has already made the squad somewhat his own, bringing fresh faces in after the likes of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté departed Anfield. Iraola brings with him the longest ongoing unbeaten run of any Premier League manager (18), suggesting that extending the Reds’ record of going undefeated in their opening match of the last 13 league seasons (W10, D3) is well within reach.Kick-off: 6:30 PM (Kenyan Time), Sunday 23 AugustVenue: St. James' Park, NewcastleGroup: Premier League (Matchday 1), Season Opener.Inter's anglicisation: Liverpool kid at the MeazzaQualification implications: A winning start is crucial for momentum in both clubs' pursuit of returning to European football qualification positions.Form GuideNewcastle United➖ Draw vs Strasbourg (1-1)❌ Loss vs Bayer Leverkusen (1-2)❌ Loss vs Everton (1-3)✅ Win vs Valencia (2-1)❌ Loss vs Bristol City (1-4)Liverpool✅ Win vs Como (2-0)➖ Draw vs Como (0-0)❌ Loss vs Monaco (2-3)❌ Loss vs Leeds (2-4)✅ Win vs Wrexham (1-0)Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)Newcastle 1-4 Liverpool (31 Jan 2026 – Premier League)Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool (25 Aug 2025 – Premier League)Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool (16 Mar 2025 – EFL Cup)Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool (26 Feb 2025 – Premier League)Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool (04 Dec 2024 – Premier League)Team NewsNewcastle United❌ Joelinton – Groin injury (out for a few weeks).❌ Tino Livramento – Calf problem (out).🟡 Sean Steur / Aladji Bamba – Set for potential full debuts.🟡 Lukas Hornicek – Set for Premier League debut in goal.Liverpool❌ Conor Bradley – Knee injury (out long-term).❌ Giovanni Leoni – Knee injury (out long-term).❌ Hugo Ekitike – Achilles injury (out long-term).❌ Joe Gomez – Muscular injury (out).🟡 Curtis Jones – Hip problem / pending transfer to Inter Milan.🟡 Alexis Mac Allister – Late assessment following late World Cup return.BETTING GUIDE: Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur, match preview, team news and predictionPlayer to Watch: Alexander Isak (Liverpool)Alexander Isak returns to St. James’ Park for the first time since his high-profile and controversial departure last summer.The Swedish striker showed immense clinical composure for Liverpool last term, scoring the opening goal in all four of his goalscoring appearances for the Reds. His explosive movement, lethal finishing inside the penalty box, and familiar understanding of the St. James' Park pitch make him the primary threat in Andoni Iraola's dynamic attack.If Newcastle's newly assembled backline fails to track his direct runs between the central defenders, Isak could severely punish his former side on matchday one.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Both Teams to Score – Yes🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score – Yes🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Liverpool to Win 3-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.