The Athletic FC Podcast – The Preview: Newcastle vs Liverpool
Date: August 22, 2025
Host: Matt Davis Adams
Guests/Analysts: Stu James, Megan Feringer
Episode Overview
This episode of The Athletic FC’s Preview focuses on the highly anticipated Newcastle United vs Liverpool clash—a fixture packed with on-field intrigue and off-field drama, most notably surrounding Alexander Isak’s transfer saga. Host Matt Davis Adams is joined by regular guest Stu James and debutante Megan Feringer to break down the state of both clubs, key tactical preview, and the wider Premier League matchday narratives, going deep on transfers, club culture, and evolving storylines across the league.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Alexander Isak Transfer Saga
- Backdrop: Isak issues a statement declaring his time at Newcastle can’t continue, citing broken promises. Newcastle’s owners respond swiftly, reaffirming their stance and expressing public disappointment.
- Stu James sums up the transfer drama:
“Essentially Isaac in Newcastle is a game now…if you can't find a solution, you do whatever is next necessary…But [the agent] said you never make the owner angry. And I think that's the territory that Isaac is in now with Newcastle.”
[04:15] - Market dynamics: Liverpool are interested but would have to greatly increase their bid to near £150m; Newcastle insists they need two Champions League-quality striker signings first.
- Potential consequences:
- Newcastle risking “reputational damage” if they fold (Megan Feringer, 07:53).
- A departure now could set a precedent for future squad unrest.
- Stu James on the deadlock:
“I think he's played his last card here really. He's out. There's nothing else. No other lever he can pull now…”
[04:15]
2. Tactical and Squad Considerations for Newcastle vs Liverpool
- Isak’s Absence a Relief for Liverpool:
“In the last five times that Esac's played Liverpool he scored three goals and had an assist. So like on that level it's kind of like oh great. We don't have to deal with the player who's probably been the best at sort of undoing our defense.”
–Megan Feringer, [06:58] - Impact on Newcastle Setup:
- Eddie Howe’s challenge to reintegrate Isak if he stays.
- The need for other attackers (Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes) to step up.
- Liverpool’s attacking depth:
- Ekitike’s outstanding debut means Liverpool may not be desperate for Isak, but squad depth concerns persist with Salah’s AFCON absence imminent (Megan Feringer, 11:13).
- Defensive concerns for Liverpool:
“Liverpool were caught 3v3 on the first goal… concerns for Liverpool and I can't believe that they will, you know, leave themselves open in the same way again.”
–Stu James, [11:54] - Midfield Battle Highlighted: Newcastle’s Guimaraes, Tonali, and Joelinton make them formidable; Liverpool’s balance wobbly without Gravenberch (set to return post-suspension).
3. Predictions and Memorable Quotes
- Stu James: “I'm actually going to go for a 2-2 draw, Matt.” [15:07]
- Megan Feringer:
“I like the idea of a scoreline reflecting sort of like the larger reality around it... it feels like Newcastle and Liverpool are on this in this stalemate around Isak. So I like the idea of it ending in a draw.”
[15:40] - Matt Davis Adams: “Either way, there's going to be goals…I think that is a certainty, despite the lack of a prolific Swedish striker.” [15:56]
4. Wider Premier League Storylines (Selected Highlights)
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (“El Casico”)
- Palace’s Europa League demotion after Forest’s “letter to UEFA” raises the stakes, fueling off-pitch animosity.
- Notable moment:
“It suddenly turned into this grudge match and let's be honest, for the neutral it's Bloomin’ fantastic.”
–Stu James, [23:31]
Manchester City’s New Midfield Star: Tijjani Reijnders
- “He was the best player on the pitch...A really dynamic midfielder who wants to break forward to set up Haaland for the third goal...”
–Stu James, [37:52]
Manchester United’s Rocky Start and Fan Therapy
- Discussion of Amarin’s record ("less than a point per game—unsustainable!") and Mason Mount as a positive (praised by Michael Cox).
- Megan Feringer:
“It always feels like we're in a therapy session because they're just sort of like, just kind of railing against the reality of Manchester United.”
[42:11]
Sunderland and Premier League Survival
- Burnley vs Sunderland called an “all-important” game for early momentum; points out the challenge for promoted Championship teams.
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Intro & Isak Transfer Saga: 02:48 – 08:48
- Tactical Preview Newcastle/Liverpool: 10:46 – 15:56
- Betting Insights & Key Facts: 16:09 – 19:41
- Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest drama: 19:41 – 24:52
- Crystal Palace squad depth, transfer fallout: 29:07 – 34:39
- City, Spurs, Arsenal, Man United weekend preview: 36:17 – 44:16
- Everton at new stadium, home field advantage: 46:33 – 49:35
- Burnley vs Sunderland & promoted sides debate: 49:35 – 53:13
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Stu James, on transfer market gamesmanship:
“If you can't find a solution, you do whatever is necessary...But you never make the owner angry. And I think that's the territory Isak is in now...” [04:15] - Eddie Howe (via Stu):
“He's contracted to us. He's our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us. But he won't be. And that's regrettable at this moment. 100%. You know, I want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt...”
[08:15] - Stu James, on reputational risk:
“If they cave in now, what message does that send to the rest of the squad when one of those is looking for a move in 6–12 months time?”
[07:53] - Megan Feringer, on Liverpool’s “greed”:
“Liverpool are being greedy because they also wanted Isak on top of Ekitike...I don't think it's greedy at all from Liverpool's perspective.”
[11:13] - On the Newcastle crowd and atmosphere:
“Every tackle, every interception, every sort of block was celebrated like a goal. And I think this could be even louder with the tension, anger and betrayal in the air.”
–Alex Boyce, [17:10]
Tone and Style
- The episode is lively, conversational, and insightful—balancing serious tactical and transfer analysis with banter and memorable soundbites.
- The hosts and guests draw on insider info, anecdotes, and sharp reporting, while maintaining a relatable, fan-centric approach.
Conclusion
This Preview episode delivers an in-depth, engaging breakdown of the Newcastle vs Liverpool fixture, contextualizing the drama of Isak’s transfer saga, its impact on both squads, and zooming out to explore wider narratives across a packed Premier League matchday. Tactical nuance, club psychology, and witty exchanges blend to offer a rich listening experience for any football fan eager to understand not just what will happen on the pitch—but why it matters.