Howe expecting 'electric' atmosphere for Liverpool clash | OneFootball

The Magpies welcome the champions to Tyneside on Bank Holiday Monday (kick-off 8pm BST) for what will be their first home game of the 2025/26 campaign.

And - while the head coach confirmed United would again be without Alexander Isak against the Reds - Howe is expecting a "really passionate display" from the Newcastle faithful as they look to record their first victory of the season.

Howe also spoke about new signing Jacob Ramsey, who could make his debut for the club on Monday, and provided a fitness update on Joe Willock. Here are some of the key talking points from Friday morning's media briefing:

On Monday's game and the St. James' Park crowd...

"The first home game is always going to be electric. Under the lights, evening games are always really special for us.

"I have no doubt this will be a really passionate display from the home support. We need to use that - but not be reckless with it. We've got to concentrate and deliver our game plan, but using the energy from the crowd will be vital for us."

On Jacob Ramsey and the possibility of his debut...

"He'll be available. We've still got training sessions to go before the game but he's in a good place and has looked really impressive in his first couple of days - really, really good technically, very intelligent and I think he'll add a lot to the team. He has standout qualities."

On Anthony Gordon's adaptability and central role against Aston Villa last weekend...

"He’s done it enough to do the job really well for the team. I have no issue playing him there a number of times both as a starter and a substitute. He plays differently to other strikers but that can be a positive.

"He’s got devastating pace, a really good work ethic and he’s scored goals. I think he played really well last week in lots of different phases of his game."

On midfielder Willock's fitness...

"Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well. When he went down in the game (in South Korea) I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn't look good.

"Credit to him - he's got back fit and looking good."

On centre half partnership Fabian Schär and Dan Burn, and his other defensive options...

"Fabian and Dan were excellent against Aston Villa - defending, leading, organising, making sure that we concentrated throughout the game. It would have been very easy for one slip to cost us. I thought we looked really good in that respect.

"Sven (Botman), Malick (Thiaw) and Jamaal (Lascelles) are all outstanding players individually and will give us a lot this year but when you're not in the team you have to be patient, train really well so when you do get your opportunity you can grab it."