Newcastle United will pay tribute to the late Kevin Keegan at St James' Park today, as the club faces Liverpool in a Premier League match. The information comes from a recent article by The Guardian Football. The tribute will feature a 52,000-card salute and a mosaic made up of shirts left by Newcastle supporters in tribute to the former manager.
The tribute is a fitting way to honour a club legend, who was a key figure in Newcastle's history. However, the match will also serve as a reminder of the club's struggles in recent times. The sale of Alexander Isak, a British-record fee, was a huge factor in Newcastle's poor campaign last season, which ultimately led to the departure of Eddie Howe. Isak's sale was seen as a marker of ambition, or lack thereof, and has had a lasting impact on the club.
Newcastle are now a club in transition under new manager Matthias Jaissle, with anything from Europe to relegation on the cards. Meanwhile, Liverpool seem unsure how to best use Isak, who struggled for form and fitness in the last 12 months. With Hugo Ekitike still sidelined and Mohamed Salah departed, there is much pressure on Isak to deliver goals. The Swede has the talent, but it remains to be seen whether he can produce the same output after his injury and in a team that is less tailored to his exact needs.
The match between Newcastle and Liverpool promises to be an emotive and intriguing ride, with both clubs looking to make a statement in the Premier League. Kick-off is at 4.30pm BST.