Reds face hostile reception at Newcastle

LIVERPOOL can expect a hostile reception when they travel to Newcastle on Monday, amid their pursuit of wantaway Magpies striker Alexander Isak.

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Meanwhile, Manchester City and Tottenham face off in an early test of their Premier League ambitions.

Across Merseyside, a new era begins for Everton on Sunday as they welcome Brighton for the first competitive game at their new 53,000-capacity stadium.

AFP Sport looks at the major talking points ahead of the second weekend of the Premier League season.

Isak saga hangs over Newcastle vs Liverpool clash

Isak is expected to sit out the meeting between his current club and his preferred destination, as a standoff over the Swedish striker's future stretches into the final week of the transfer window.

Newcastle maintain that the 25-year-old will not leave unless they can secure a suitable replacement and Liverpool meet their British record asking price, reportedly around £150 million ($202 million). The Reds have already seen a £110 million bid rejected, despite spending nearly £300 million on new recruits.

Isak broke his silence on Tuesday, saying his relationship with Newcastle "can't continue" after he lost trust in the club.