Liverpool begin the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a challenging trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23.
The fixture will mark the competitive debut of new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, while Matthias Jaissle will take charge of Newcastle for the first time in the Premier League. The two clubs have undergone significant changes over the summer, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated opening-day clash.
Newcastle vs Liverpool date and kick-off time
Newcastle United host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30pm BST, with Sky Sports’ coverage beginning at 4pm.
How to watch Newcastle vs Liverpool
Sky Sports customers in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, as well as through the Sky Sports app.
Non-Sky customers can stream the game through a NOW Day or Month pass.
The match is also available to viewers in the United States through NBC/Peacock, while ESPN lists JioHotstar in India and Stan Sport in Australia among the international broadcasters.
Newcastle vs Liverpool team news
Newcastle head into the fixture with several fitness concerns. Joelinton has been ruled out, while Tino Livramento and Joe Willock are doubts.
Liverpool also have a number of players unavailable. Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros are among those listed as injured.
The game will also provide the first competitive look at Iraola’s new-look Liverpool side following a major summer rebuild. Captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that the revamped defence will need time to develop an understanding after the departures and arrival of new defenders.
Alexander Isak returns to Newcastle
One of the biggest storylines will be Alexander Isak’s return to St James’ Park.
The Swedish striker left Newcastle for Liverpool last year in a British-record transfer worth a reported £125 million. He will now face his former club for the first time in a Liverpool shirt.
Isak’s reception from the Newcastle supporters is expected to be one of the major talking points before and during the match.
Newcastle vs Liverpool prediction
Liverpool enter the game as the favourites, but the opening-day fixture could be far more competitive than the odds suggest.
Newcastle have home advantage and will be motivated to make a strong start under Jaissle. Liverpool, meanwhile, have greater attacking quality but must quickly adapt to Iraola’s methods and a significantly changed squad.
Liverpool have also dominated this fixture historically, going unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League meetings with Newcastle.
Recent meetings have frequently produced goals, with four of the last five encounters featuring at least three goals.
Prediction: Newcastle 1–2 Liverpool
Liverpool’s greater experience and attacking quality could prove decisive, although Newcastle should make the Reds work hard for the three points.
Newcastle vs Liverpool key details
- Match: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
- Competition: Premier League 2026/27
- Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Kick-off: 4:30pm BST
- Venue: St James’ Park
- UK TV: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
- UK streaming: Sky Sports app / NOW
- Liverpool manager: Andoni Iraola
- Newcastle manager: Matthias Jaissle
- Prediction: Newcastle 1–2 Liverpool
