Newcastle United v Liverpool: Premier League – live

If there is a match between Newcastle and Liverpool, the mind instantly goes to Kevin Keegan. The man was a genius and King Kev will be rightly honoured today at St James’ Park as the two clubs meet. Tifos, banners and a 52,000-card salute is planned, while a mosaic has been designed to fit inside the centre circle, made up of shirts that were left in tribute by Newcastle supporters at the ground following the news of his death last month. RIP Keegan.

If talk of a club legend has dominated the historical discourse off the pitch, it is a much less popular, less permed individual that is a more defining figure for both clubs on this particular match.

Alexander Isak’s departure from Newcastle on deadline day last summer for a British-record fee was a huge factor in the north-east club’s poor campaign last time out that ultimately led to the departure of Eddie Howe. Isak’s sale was seen as a marker of ambition, or lack thereof, and that has permeated the club’s boardroom, the mindset of the fans and possibly Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, all of whom have departed for pastures new. Newcastle are now a club firmly in transition under their new manager, Matthias Jaissle. Anything from Europe to relegation is on the cards.

If Newcastle are still trying to fill the void left by Isak, Liverpool seem still unsure how to best use the striker. Just as we do not know what Liverpool are capable of under Andoni Iraola, the jury is also out on Isak, who struggled for form and fitness in the last 12 months. With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined and Mohamed Salah departed, there is much pressure on the Swede for goals. Isak has the talent but there is still a question of whether he can produce the same output after his injury and in a team that is less tailored to the striker’s exact needs. Liverpool claim that they are title contenders but they still seem short of elite squad depth in a merciless league.

The Premier League is back, and for these two clubs, this match should be an emotive and intriguing ride.