The Monday night fixture of this weekend's Premier League games sees Liverpool take on Newcastle United. On this occasion, the match could be known as the Alexander Isak derby.
Will Alexander Isak be able to force his way out of Newcastle United?
It is a stalemate between Isak and his club Newcastle, with both sides lodging critical statements this week. The player is still frozen out, but if he does not get his move to Liverpool, then he will have to reintegrate himself into Eddie Howe's side.
This is a season with a World Cup at the end of it, so Isak must be playing if he is going to represent Sweden at the tournament. Newcastle have said that Isak is not for sale, but if Liverpool can match their £150 million valuation, or close to it, then the transfer could happen.
Liverpool had a great start to defending their Premier League title
Liverpool won 4-2 against Bournemouth in an emotional night at Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League season. Tributes for Diogo Jota were moving, and his tragic passing could galvanise Arne Slot's side.
Hugo Ekitike, who was also linked with Newcastle, scored the Reds' opening goal against the Cherries. If he can continue his fantastic form, then Liverpool may wonder if they need to pay so much to get Isak.
Team news and predicted lineups
Anthony Gordon will still have to lead the line for Newcastle, with Isak still on strike.
Newcastle predicted lineup: Pope, Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento, Barnes, Tonali, Guimarães, Elanga, Joelinton, Gordon
Wataru Endo will likely start ahead of Jeremie Frimpong, who is injured.
Liverpool predicted lineup: Alisson, Endo, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo
Historical context and prediction
Last season in the Premier League, there was a thrilling 3-3 draw between the two sides at St. James' Park. Fabian Schär equalized in added time in that game. Liverpool won the return fixture, but the Magpies defeated the Reds in the EFL Cup final.
The Isak situation could galvanize Newcastle against Liverpool. However, the Magpies were poor in their opening game against Aston Villa. Therefore, the Reds should win 2-1.
How to watch Newcastle vs. Liverpool
Liverpool will take on Newcastle at 3:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 25. The match will be televised on USA Network and Universo and can be streamed on Fubo.tv (free seven-day trial).