Football pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson are at odds over how they expect the Newcastle United versus Liverpool clash to play out on Monday, with the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga looming in the background.

Newcastle were held to a 0-0 draw against a 10-man Aston Villa side on the opening weekend. Liverpool, on the other hand, needed late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to seal a home win over Bournemouth after Antoine Semenyo netted twice in the second half.

“I thought Newcastle were impressive against Aston Villa last week. Sandro Tonali looked a class apart, and if they had a genuine centre forward, they would have taken all three points. That’s probably why the supporters are furious with Isak. This is no longer a poor Newcastle side!

“The atmosphere on Monday night will be electric, no question. It’s going to be a serious challenge for Liverpool against Newcastle’s midfield.”

“Liverpool made the Bournemouth game end-to-end because they knew it worked for them. Even though they conceded twice, they still managed to score four goals.

“But if Newcastle stay compact and keep control in midfield, which I expect they will, Liverpool won’t have it all their own way.”

“Arne Slot’s team always leaves some space on the right flank due to Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking instincts. Opponents will figure out how to exploit that area, which could trouble Liverpool. This could allow Harvey Barnes a lot of room on that wing.”

“I think Newcastle are capable of troubling Liverpool. This is set up to be a cracking game.”

Merson predicted a 2-2 draw, but Sutton feels Liverpool’s superior attacking options right now could give Arne Slot’s side the advantage.

“This was already shaping up to be a fierce encounter, but the Isak transfer drama has raised the intensity,” he explained to BBC Sport. “There’s going to be real bite to this one, and honestly, it could swing either way.

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“Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike — who had a brilliant debut and was once a Newcastle target. Ironically, if Newcastle had signed Ekitike, then Isak might well be at Liverpool now.

“There will be plenty of goals here. Neither team tends to sit back. I lean slightly towards Liverpool, mainly because Newcastle lack a proper centre forward. Still, can they score? Definitely.”