Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle on Monday carries more than the usual weight of an early-season clash. The fixture comes as uncertainty deepens over the future of Alexander Isak, the Swedish striker at the centre of a bitter stand-off with the Magpies.
Isak, 25, has made clear he wants to leave for Anfield. Newcastle, however, insist they will not part ways with their top scorer unless Liverpool meet their steep £150 million valuation and the club finds a replacement. A bid of £110 million has already been rejected.
The striker spoke out earlier this week, saying his trust in Newcastle had been broken. “My relationship with the club can’t continue,” Isak told Swedish reporters, laying bare the rift.
Liverpool, who have already spent more than £300 million this summer, appear reluctant to stretch further. The form of Hugo Ekitike, their new French signing, has given them breathing space. Ekitike, who snubbed Newcastle to join Liverpool, scored and assisted in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth on his debut.
For Arne Slot, Liverpool’s new manager, the challenge has been shoring up a defence that looked vulnerable to counter-attacks. The return of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from suspension could steady them against Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle, meanwhile, looked blunt without Isak in their opening draw with Aston Villa. Howe’s frustration has grown as attempts to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa stall. The lack of firepower could prove costly.
City v Spurs: A Familiar Test
Manchester City laid down an early marker with a 4-0 demolition of Wolves last weekend. But Tottenham’s visit to the Etihad brings a reminder of past pain.
It was Spurs who humiliated Pep Guardiola’s side 4-0 at home last November, during a dismal run that left City clinging to their reputation.
Guardiola insists this is a new chapter. “The squad has fresh energy,” he said after new signings Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri impressed in their debuts. Still, Spurs remain a tricky opponent. They have lost just one of their last four league visits to the Etihad, scoring at least twice in each game.
New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank nearly masterminded an upset against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and began his Premier League tenure with a convincing 3-0 win over Burnley. Confidence will be high.
Everton’s New Beginning
Across Merseyside, Everton prepare to open the doors of their new Hill Dickinson Stadium against Brighton on Sunday. The £53,000-seat arena promises a fresh start for a club long mired in struggles.
Everton lost narrowly to Leeds last weekend, a reminder that changing grounds alone will not guarantee success. But the move away from Goodison Park, their home since 1892, is also a leap of faith.
Goodison’s fierce atmosphere was often credited with keeping Everton afloat in relegation battles. The challenge now is ensuring their new home provides the same fortress-like feel.
This Weekend’s Fixtures (all GMT)
Friday: West Ham v Chelsea (1900)
Saturday: Man City v Tottenham (1130); Bournemouth v Wolves, Brentford v Aston Villa, Burnley v Sunderland (1400); Arsenal v Leeds (1630)
Sunday: Everton v Brighton, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (1300); Fulham v Manchester United (1530)
Monday: Newcastle v Liverpool (1900)
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