The wait is finally over.
Liverpool begin the 2026/27 Premier League season today with a huge trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
And this isn’t just the first league game of a new campaign.
It is the beginning of the Andoni Iraola era.
It is Alexander Isak’s return to Newcastle.
It is the first competitive test of Liverpool’s new-look squad.
And, before kick-off, both sets of supporters will come together to honour a legend of both clubs, Kevin Keegan.
There is a lot to look forward to.
A new Liverpool under Iraola
There is genuine excitement surrounding Liverpool this season.
Iraola has spent pre-season implementing his ideas and getting his players accustomed to a different style of football.
The encouraging thing is that Liverpool have shown signs of adapting quickly.
But today is completely different.
Pre-season is about fitness, experimentation and preparation.
The Premier League is about winning.
And St James’ Park is one of the toughest places to begin a season.
Iraola knows Liverpool still have areas that need improving, particularly in the wide positions, but he believes his team are already capable of competing.
Now we get to see it for real.
Isak returns to St James’ Park
There is no escaping the biggest individual storyline.
Alexander Isak returns to Newcastle.
The Swedish striker left Newcastle for Liverpool last summer and today’s reception will undoubtedly be fascinating.
He knows this stadium.
He knows these supporters.
And Newcastle know exactly what he is capable of.
Isak has had a difficult first season at Liverpool, but there is a feeling that this could be the campaign when everything finally clicks.
What better way to announce himself under Iraola than by scoring at his former home?
It would certainly make for an unforgettable afternoon.
Gakpo could have an important role
Iraola has also confirmed that Cody Gakpo can play as a No.9.
Liverpool’s lack of natural wide options means Gakpo has spent much of pre-season operating from the left, but the manager has already discussed using him centrally.
That gives Liverpool another tactical option.
If Newcastle manage to limit Isak’s influence, Iraola can potentially alter the shape and use Gakpo differently.
And with Hugo Ekitike unavailable, that versatility could prove extremely valuable.
A new-look defence faces an immediate test
Liverpool’s defence has undergone significant change.
Virgil van Dijk remains the leader, but there are new faces around him following the departures and injuries that have affected the defensive group.
Ronald Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet are competing for a place alongside the captain, while Joe Gomez is unavailable.
Van Dijk has already admitted that the new defensive partnerships will need time to develop.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, they don’t have time to wait today.
Newcastle will test them immediately.
The atmosphere will be ferocious.
The intensity will be high.
And Liverpool’s defensive organisation will need to be excellent.
Newcastle will fancy their chances
Liverpool shouldn’t underestimate Newcastle.
They are also beginning a new era under Matthias Jaissle, and St James’ Park will be absolutely bouncing.
Newcastle’s recent pre-season results haven’t been particularly convincing, but that can become irrelevant once the Premier League begins.
This is their home.
It is the opening day.
And they will be desperate to make a statement.
Liverpool’s record against Newcastle is excellent, but that means very little once the whistle goes. The Reds have been unbeaten in their last 19 Premier League meetings with Newcastle.
Liverpool need to start quickly
One thing I want to see from Liverpool today is intensity from the first minute.
This is Iraola’s football.
Pressing as a unit.
Moving the ball quickly.
Attacking space.
Being aggressive without the ball.
If Liverpool can impose that style on Newcastle, they have enough quality to cause serious problems.
But if they allow Newcastle to dictate the tempo, St James’ Park could become a very uncomfortable place to play.
And then there’s Kevin Keegan
Before the football takes centre stage, there will be a very special moment.
Both sets of supporters will pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, a legend of Liverpool and Newcastle.
That’s what makes this opening day even more memorable.
Two clubs with a fierce rivalry coming together to celebrate someone who means so much to both.
A great player.
A great manager.
A great man.
It is a wonderful way to begin the new Premier League season.
My prediction
I expect this to be a difficult game for Liverpool.
Newcastle will have the crowd behind them and will be desperate to start the new campaign positively.
But I believe Liverpool have more attacking quality and, if Iraola’s pressing game works as intended, they should have enough to come away with three points.
Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool.
I can see Isak having a major influence.
And if he scores at St James’ Park, what a way that would be to begin his second season at Liverpool.
The season starts here
Whatever happens today, this is going to be fascinating.
A new manager.
A new tactical identity.
A new-look squad.
A new Premier League campaign.
And one enormous challenge waiting at St James’ Park.
Liverpool supporters have spent months wondering what Iraola’s team will actually look like when the points matter.
Today, we finally find out.
Come on Liverpool.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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