Newcastle are still without Isak, who remains frozen out of the squad amid his push to join Liverpool. Joe Willock is nearing a return from injury, while summer signing Jacob Ramsey could debut from the bench. Eddie Howe is expected to rely on Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes in attack.

Liverpool travel without Jeremie Frimpong, sidelined by a hamstring issue, and Conor Bradley is only just back in training. Slot may turn to Dominik Szoboszlai as an emergency right-back, while Ryan Gravenberch returns from suspension. Mohamed Salah, with 10 goals and eight assists in league meetings with Newcastle, again leads the line.

Even with Liverpool’s defensive frailties, Newcastle’s lack of a cutting edge without Isak is a major concern. Howe’s men could trouble the visitors on the counter, but the Reds’ firepower – spearheaded by Salah and Ekitike – looks too strong.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool