Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes it will be an emotional atmosphere in the stadium because of Kevin Keegan when Newcastle United host Liverpool at St James’ Park. The 75-year-old was a legend for both clubs and passed away earlier this summer.
Writing in his Premier League predictions blog for Metro, Shearer said that he is aware of the tributes the fans are planning for the club legend and believes it will affect the players. He has predicted a draw between the two sides and said:
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“It’s going to be an emotional atmosphere because of the tributes to Kevin Keegan. I’ve already seen one or two bits about what the fans and both football clubs are going to be taking part in, it should be an unbelievable atmosphere beforehand, an emotional atmosphere because of what Kevin meant to both football clubs and both sets of fans. So, I’m going to go draw.”
Liverpool won both fixtures between the two sides in the Premier League last season. They won 3-2 at St James’ Park in August 2025, while they thrashed the Magpies 4-1 at Anfield early in 2026.
The two sides have a heated rivalry off the pitch, as they battled for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike last summer. The Reds hijacked the move for Ekitike earlier in the summer, before signing the Swedish striker from the Magpies on deadline day.
Liverpool manager on Alexander Isak’s return to Newcastle United
Alexander Isak is set to make his first appearance at St James’ Park since leaving the club for a record £125 million fee last summer. The former Newcastle United striker forced his move to Liverpool after going on strike and was eventually sold despite the best efforts from the Magpies to convince him to stay.
Andoni Iraola spoke about the return and said in his pre-match press conference:
“It’s always special when you play against your ex-team in your stadium. It’s the same way when I go back to play against Bournemouth. You always want to do well in the Premier League. And the first game of the season, I think everyone will be very, very motivated, and I think it’s going to be the same for Alex.”
Isak scored for Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final in 2025 to help them beat Liverpool and win their first trophy in 70 years. He has scored four times and assisted once in his six matches against the Reds.
Edited by Sripad