Newcastle United endured a chaotic pre-season, with head coach Eddie Howe leaving three games in and Matthias Jaissle taking over just two-and-a-half weeks before the Premier League season. Four key players departed—Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and Kieran Trippier—replaced by six players all aged 24 or under: goalkeepers Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen, midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, winger Bazoumana Toure, and right-back Amar Dedic.
World Cup participants Dan Burn, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Nick Woltemade had staggered returns, while Lewis Miley and Joelinton dealt with injuries. The seven-match schedule included a 3-0 win over Darlington, a 1-1 draw at Gateshead, a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City (Howe's last game), a 2-1 win over Valencia, a 3-1 loss to Everton, and a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen plus a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg in the VisitMalta Weekender.
Minutes and top performers
Jacob Ramsey (419 minutes) and Sean Steur (405) led the minutes chart, with Harvey Barnes third (392). Joe Willock (371) and Jacob Murphy (375) featured heavily despite contract uncertainty. Sven Botman's form in defeats to Bristol City and Everton raised concerns, while Lewis Hall's involvement bodes well. Barnes and Wissa each scored twice, with Wissa's brace against Valencia justifying his £55 million fee. Will Osula also netted twice, while Malick Thiaw, Willock, Sean Neave, and an own goal accounted for the rest.
Surprise packages and players on notice
Under-21 players like Mason Miley, Leo Shahar, Miodrag Pivas, and Dylan Charlton got starts, with Miley's display against Leverkusen standing out. Steur impressed as the best new signing, and Toure showed electric form on the left. Nick Pope has been told to find a new club after featuring in the first three matches, while Willock is expected to leave, with Besiktas keen. Newcastle will also listen to offers for Murphy. Neave and Shahar may go on loan, and Alex Murphy and Anthony Munda have already departed on loan.
Likely XI vs Liverpool
Hornicek is set to start in goal, with Dedic at right-back, Thiaw and Burn in central defence, and Hall at left-back. Elanga and Toure are favourites on the wings, while Ramsey and Steur have played the most midfield minutes, though Lewis Miley could feature. Woltemade, Willock, and Wissa have been used at number 10, with Wissa potentially partnering Osula up front. The likely XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; L.Miley, Ramsey; Elanga, Wissa, Toure; Osula.
