Even if Alexander Isak isn`t on the field at St. James` Park this Monday, his name will undoubtedly be at the forefront of discussions as Newcastle United prepare to face Liverpool, influencing the narrative in multiple ways.
The Swedish international is embroiled in a significant transfer dispute with Newcastle, which has become one of the most talked-about sagas of the current transfer window, with just a week remaining until its closure. Isak`s attempts to force a move have involved classic transfer drama: training alone, reportedly putting his English home up for rent, and publicly accusing the club of broken promises via Instagram, which drew a response from Newcastle. Liverpool, who had previously shown interest in adding him to their revamped attack, have been linked to Isak, though the likelihood of a deal or a resolution remains uncertain.
This situation adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a captivating fixture, marking the end of the Premier League`s second weekend. It naturally leads to a compelling question: How would each of these teams perform with Alexander Isak in their ranks?
Match Details & Betting Odds
- Date: Monday, August 25
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: St. James` Park, Newcastle, England
- TV: USA Network
- Streaming: Fubo
- Odds: Newcastle United +220; Draw +280; Liverpool +100
For Newcastle, the answer to Isak`s potential impact is straightforward. He became the focus of a multi-million dollar transfer dispute due to his impressive record with the Magpies, having scored 62 goals in 109 appearances. His absence was keenly felt in their opening weekend draw against Aston Villa. Despite playing with a man advantage for nearly half an hour, Newcastle managed only three shots on target out of sixteen. Anthony Gordon, playing as the main forward, did his best, taking seven shots and achieving 0.55 expected goals, but it was clear that the England international, a natural winger, isn`t an ideal replacement for Isak`s role.
While the Magpies are reportedly seeking a replacement for Isak, no clear successor has emerged despite frequent speculation about various players. Manager Eddie Howe may, for the time being, have to rely on a lineup similar to the one that faced Villa, featuring Harvey Barnes and new signing Anthony Elanga on the wings.
For Liverpool, the question of acquiring Isak feels almost like a luxury. The Reds` strong preseason performances and their impressive 4-2 victory over Bournemouth last Friday indicate their attack is likely to thrive even without him. New additions Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are integrating exceptionally well, and Mohamed Salah is expected to remain a pivotal figure for at least another season. However, signing Isak would certainly not be detrimental and could even prove beneficial if Arne Slot`s squad struggles to achieve balance before the transfer window shuts on September 1st.
Despite Liverpool`s impressive attacking prowess, their defense clearly shows vulnerabilities, having conceded two goals in both the Community Shield and against Bournemouth. The back four featured in both matches – Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez – appears somewhat exposed, and defensive reinforcements are yet to arrive. While the Reds did sign 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni from Parma, he is unlikely to immediately integrate into the first team. They are also linked with Crystal Palace`s Marc Guehi, but a deal has not materialized. Although they might feel confident against Newcastle`s less-than-perfect attack, Liverpool managed only one clean sheet during preseason, and that was against Championship side Stoke City.
