Newcastle and Liverpool set for Premier League opener as probable line-ups emerge

Newcastle will host Liverpool in the opening round of the Premier League on Sunday, 23 August 2026, with both sides expected to begin the campaign in an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:30 GMT, and the focus before the game has turned to the starting line-ups likely to be selected by Matthias Jaissle and Andoni Iraola.

Newcastle have no players officially listed as injured or doubtful, meaning Jaissle is expected to have his full squad available for selection. The Magpies are predicted to use an experienced goalkeeper behind a back four built around two attack-minded full-backs and a strong central defensive pairing.

In midfield, Newcastle’s system is expected to combine a holding player with a box-to-box presence and a more creative outlet. The front three should provide pace in wide areas, while the central striker will be asked to offer a focal point and provide the finishing threat.

Newcastle’s expected line-up

Goalkeeper: Hornicek

Defenders: Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Botman, Hall

Midfielders: Ramsey, Aladji Bamba, Elanga

Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Barnes, Osula

The expected selection would give Newcastle a balanced shape, with the full-backs able to push forward and the midfield tasked with supporting the attack while protecting the defence.

Iraola, meanwhile, is expected to rely on his established core as he takes charge of Liverpool for the first time. With the entire squad available, the Reds are also tipped to line up in an offensive 4-3-3.

Liverpool’s projected defensive unit includes dynamic players in both wide positions and an experienced central partnership led by Van Dijk. Their midfield is expected to combine ball recovery, forward movement and creativity, while the attacking structure should depend on the speed of the wide players and the finishing ability of a central striker.

Liverpool’s expected line-up

Goalkeeper: Becker

Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez

Midfielders: Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Rio Ngumoha

Forwards: Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak

The encounter will be one of the first major tests of the new Premier League season, with Newcastle looking to use home advantage and Liverpool beginning a new chapter under Iraola.

The two teams are expected to meet with attacking ambitions, and the probable formations suggest that both managers will prioritise width, movement and quick transitions. Newcastle’s pace on the flanks will be a key part of their approach, while Liverpool will look to combine the creativity of Wirtz and Szoboszlai with the threat provided by Gakpo and Isak.

Betting company 1xbet lists Liverpool as the favourites before kick-off. A Newcastle victory is priced at 3.05, while a draw is valued at 3.65. Liverpool’s win is priced at 1.93.

The final starting line-ups will be confirmed before the match at St James’ Park, but the predicted teams point to an attacking contest between two sides beginning their Premier League campaigns with significant expectations.