Liverpool face hostile reception at Newcastle as Alexander Isak saga simmers

Liverpool can expect a hostile reception when they travel to Newcastle on Monday, amid their pursuit of wantaway Magpies striker Alexander Isak. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Tottenham face off in an early test of their Premier League ambitions.

Across Merseyside, a new era begins for Everton on Sunday as they welcome Brighton for the first competitive game at their new 53,000-capacity stadium.

AFP Sport looks at the major talking points ahead of the second weekend of the Premier League season.

Isak saga hangs over Newcastle vs Liverpool clash

Isak is expected to sit out the meeting between his current club and his preferred destination, as a stand-off over the Swedish striker's future stretches into the final week of the transfer window.

Newcastle maintain that the 25-year-old will not leave unless they can secure a suitable replacement and Liverpool meet their British record asking price, reportedly around £150 million ($202 million). The Reds have already seen a £110 million bid rejected, despite spending nearly £300 million on new recruits.

Isak broke his silence on Tuesday, saying his relationship with Newcastle "can't continue" after he lost trust in the club.

However, the early-season form of Hugo Ekitike has eased some of Liverpool’s urgency to meet Newcastle’s demands. The French forward, who previously snubbed Newcastle to join the Reds, delivered a goal and an assist on his Premier League debut in Liverpool's rollercoaster 4-2 win over Bournemouth.

Arne Slot's new-look side has shown attacking promise, but teething problems remain—particularly in defending against counter-attacks. The return of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from suspension should strengthen the team at St. James' Park.

Newcastle’s struggles without Isak were evident in their goalless draw with 10-man Aston Villa on the opening weekend. It’s been another frustrating week for manager Eddie Howe, with his pursuit of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa stalling.

City-Spurs clash rekindles old scars

Manchester City’s 4-0 demolition of Wolves on the opening weekend sent a strong message of intent following a season to forget. But the visit of Tottenham is a harsh reminder of the struggles they endured last year—especially Spurs’ 4-0 thrashing of City at the Etihad in November, part of a dismal stretch of just one win in 13 games.

Pep Guardiola believes his side has been revitalised by the arrival of new signings Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who all impressed in the season opener. However, Spurs—City's bogey team in recent years—promise to provide a much sterner challenge.

Tottenham have lost just one of their last four league visits to the Etihad and have scored at least twice in each of those matches.

New boss Thomas Frank has already showcased his tactical flexibility, nearly masterminding a UEFA Super Cup upset against European champions Paris Saint-Germain before a late collapse. Spurs also kicked off their league campaign in style with a 3-0 win over Burnley.

Everton’s new home, old worries

Everton’s new season began in frustrating fashion with a late 1-0 defeat to Leeds. But the club is hoping for a brighter future with the unveiling of their state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium on Liverpool’s docklands.

After decades of underachievement for one of England’s historically successful clubs, the Toffees are counting on their new home to spark a turnaround—both financially and on the pitch.

However, the move from Goodison Park, Everton’s spiritual home since 1892, carries significant risks. The famously intimidating Goodison atmosphere played a crucial role in recent relegation escapes.

On the evidence of Monday’s defeat, Everton will need their new home to become just as much of a fortress if they’re to avoid another season in the relegation zone.

Fixtures (all times SAST)

Friday

West Ham v Chelsea (9pm)

Saturday

Manchester City v Tottenham (1.30pm), Bournemouth v Wolves, Brentford v Aston Villa, Burnley v Sunderland (all 4pm), Arsenal v Leeds (6.30pm)

Sunday

Everton v Brighton, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (both 3pm), Fulham v Manchester United (5.30pm)

Monday

Newcastle v Liverpool (9pm)

AFP