(PA)Newcastle host Liverpool in the Premier League’s late kick off this afternoon with both clubs having undergone managerial changes in the summer break. Eddie Howe departed as Newcastle boss following the sales of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon with his replacement Matthias Jaissle tasked with rebuilding the team this season. He faces a difficult opener with the Magpies winless in their last 19 top-flight encounters with Liverpool, though regime change at Anfield as well could present an opportunity to end that run. Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool having replaced Arne Slot. He will be hoping to bring the best out of Alexander Isak, who faces a hostile return to St James’ Park, and Florian Wirtz who underperformed in their first season with the Reds while also figuring out how exactly Liverpool can replace Mohamed Salah who has departed for Turkey. Iraola has himself admitted his squad was “thin” in some areas. It is also set to be an emotional afternoon at St James’ Park as Newcastle and Liverpool join together to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, who was a legendary figure at both clubs. Keegan passed away in July at the age of 75 and fans of both clubs will pay tribute before kick-off. Follow all the action from St. James’ Park with our live blog below: Will Castle23 August 2026 15:15Line-ups on their wayJust a couple minutes until team news is confirmed for both sides - we’ll bring it to you as it comes in...Will Castle23 August 2026 15:12Tributes to be paid to Kevin KeeganSomething much greater is attached to this Premier League curtain-raiser than simply starting the season well.This afternoon’s meeting at St James’ Park will be preceded by a undoubtedly stirring tribute to Kevin Keegan, a legend of both Liverpool and Newcastle.A double Ballon d’Or winner, Keegan was most revered for his feats as a manager at Newcastle and as a player at Liverpool, forging a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two Uefa Cups as well as two Bundesliga titles between the years of 1968 and 1984.His passing in July following a battle with cancer led to an outpouring of love from the football world, and ‘King Kev’ will be in the minds of all inside the ground today.(Reuters)Will Castle23 August 2026 15:11Team newsIraola will be without four members of his first-team squad, with Joe Gomez, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni all sidelined for the first few weeks of the season at least.Chris Wilson23 August 2026 15:04Team newsNewcastle will only be without two members of the squad, though it is two key members as both Joelinton and Tino Livramento are sidelined.Chris Wilson23 August 2026 15:02Newcastle v Liverpool liveNew Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola takes charge of the Reds in a competitive fixture for the first time as they face Newcastle United in their opening game of the 2026/27 season.But hopes are high as Liverpool once again hope to challenge for the title, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and new signing Jeremy Jacquet expected to shine this year.As for Newcastle, they are another club starting a new era this season, with Matthias Jaissle having replaced the long-serving Eddie Howe over the summer.The German has his work cut out after losing the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon over the summer.But a win in a huge opening game against Liverpool would be the perfect start as he looks to endear himself to the Magpies faithful.Chris Wilson23 August 2026 15:00Good afternoonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s Premier League game between Newcastle and Liverpool. It’s a new era for both sides as they open the campaign with new faces in charge, with both Andoni Iraola and Matthias Jassle taking charge of their first competitive games for their new clubs. There’ll be plenty of eyes on this one as we get a first taste of how both sides could perform this season, and we’ll bring you all the latest team news and updates right here. Chris Wilson23 August 2026 14:28