BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – Honestly, anything could happen | OneFootball

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Monday’s match.

Newcastle United kicking off their home campaign in the Premier League.

Facing Liverpool with an 8pm kick-off.

The Newcastle United players hoping to build on a very good away performance and point at Villa on the opening day.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 21 August 2025:

“This match was going to be intense anyway but the Alexander Isak transfer saga has ramped it up a notch. There’s going to be an edge to this one and honestly, anything could happen.

“Newcastle go into this game hampered by the fact they don’t have a number nine. Isak hasn’t covered himself. Newcastle were brilliant against Villa but guess what, they missed a centre-forward.

“A lot has been made about Liverpool’s defence, they conceded a couple of soft ones against Bournemouth so there’ll be a worry there. But then you look at Liverpool’s attack and you think, blimey.

“Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, who had a blinder of a debut and Newcastle wanted to sign. Funnily enough, had Newcastle got Ekitike then Isak would probably be at Liverpool.

“There’ll be goals in this. Neither of these sides take a backwards step. I veer towards Liverpool solely because Newcastle don’t have a centre-forward. But, are they still capable of scoring goals? Absolutely.

“Prediction: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 2”

So, is the BBC Sport pundit on the money this time?

Some valid points made by Chris Sutton and as he points out, this is a huge game for many reasons.

I think the Aston Villa match is getting ridiculously exaggerated in terms of how Newcastle United failed to score and if only Alexander Isak had been playing…

This completely overlooks the fact that Isak had started in the three previous visits to Villa Park and not scored a single goal, whilst Fabian Schar had scored three times.

Whilst of course this season Newcastle United ideally need one if not two available and willing options who usually play centre-forward, the pace and movement of Gordon and Elanga in particular caused Villa plenty of problems, but they and others simply didn’t finish the chances created on the day.

Last season, Alexander Isak scored 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle United but in an overall total of 88, it meant 61 goals were scored by others.

Burn, Schar and Gordon all scored last season against Liverpool, as well as Isak with two. Scoring goals is the responsibility of more than just one player and worth pointing out that Anthony Gordon has scored in both of the last two home games against Liverpool. I think every chance he does so again.

It then comes down as well to how United defend and they were excellent in that department last weekend, Nick Pope not having a serious save to make. Mo Salah is a massive threat but with Tino Livramento looking set to play on Newcastle’s left once again, if he cancels out Salah like he did in the cup final, that could go a long way towards helping Eddie Howe’s team to a positive result.

Saturday 30 August – Leeds v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 13 September – Newcastle v Wolves (3pm)

Saturday 20 September – Bournemouth v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 28 September– Newcastle v Arsenal (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)