Chris Sutton on Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle's 2026/27 and Liverpool prediction
The new season has kicked off, and it was quite a start to proceedings on Saturday afternoon.
Man Utd and Sunderland were beaten, each by newly-promoted sides Hull City and Ipswich, while Sandro Tonali dropped a stinker in Spurs' 3-0 defeat away to Brentford.
Three results enjoyed on Tyneside, although attention will turn to our own start to 2026/27 as we prepare to take on Liverpool in today's 4.30pm kick-off.
On that note, Premier League pundit Chris Sutton has been speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the match, sharing his pre-match thoughts and predictions after a summer of change at Newcastle United.
Sutton fears for Newcastle
Chris Sutton fears Matthias Jaissle has "had the heart ripped out" of his Newcastle side following the sale of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
He does, however, "like everything" he's seen from our new German boss, just fears expectations must, and will be, managed this season after such a summer of change.
As for his prediction, the BBC pundit backs Liverpool to come away 3-1 winners, despite their defensive struggles over pre-season.
"I like everything I have seen from new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle, but he has had the heart ripped out of his team with Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leaving.
"They were two absolute monsters in midfield, who were horrible to play against, but they have gone. So has the influence of Anthony Gordon and the experience of Kieran Trippier.
"It is sad to see. That's not to say Newcastle can't do well now, but I think their fans are realistic about this season and how it will go.
"This will be a fascinating game because Liverpool are still adapting to life under Andoni Iraola and have struggled defensively in pre-season. Hopefully they can run for more than half an hour now, too.
"I don't think they will have any problems up front, however. Alexander Isak will get quite a reception - and not in a good way - from the home crowd but I do think he will shine for Liverpool this year, starting on Sunday.
"Sutton's prediction: 1-3."
Our prediction
We're expecting a game of goals, chances and flowing football, which feels quite fitting on a day we'll all pay tribute to Kevin Keegan.
I'm expecting us to raise our levels considerably, play with energy and intensity, and feed off a crowd who'll be up for it from the off as we kick off this new era.
I back us to score a few goals against a Liverpool back line that's open in wide areas and without much protection in midfield. However, I can see them also getting joy in similar areas, with our new-look midfield still finding its feet following the loss of Bruno and Tonali.
With that in mind, we'll go for a 2-2 draw and point for each side.
