Liverpool vs Newcastle: Carabao Cup Final Preview

Carabao Cup Final: Liverpool and Newcastle Set for Wembley Showdown

LONDON, ENGLAND – The stage is set at Wembley as Liverpool and Newcastle United prepare to clash in the Carabao Cup final this Sunday. With both teams eager to secure silverware, anticipation is building for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.

Liverpool holds a formidable record against Newcastle, having remained unbeaten in their last 25 home matches against them across all competitions. Furthermore, the Reds have scored at least two goals in 10 of their last 11 encounters with the Magpies, underscoring their attacking prowess.

However, this final carries added significance for Liverpool. Following their exit from the UEFA Champions League after a penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain, head coach Arne Slot now has two domestic trophies left in contention, including the Carabao Cup. Securing this title would mark a key milestone in his debut season at Anfield.

Newcastle’s Bid for a Historic Triumph

While Liverpool boasts a strong historical advantage, Newcastle is determined to break the cycle. Under the leadership of Eddie Howe, the Magpies are aiming to win their first major domestic trophy since their FA Cup triumph in the 1954/55 season. Despite failing to defeat Liverpool in any of their last six meetings—where the Reds have won 84% of those clashes—Newcastle remains confident that a final at Wembley can produce unpredictable outcomes.

A key battle to watch will be Newcastle’s defense against Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward has been a nightmare for Newcastle, contributing to 18 goals in 16 matches against them, with 10 goals and eight assists. His presence on the field could once again prove decisive.

Historically, Liverpool has dominated this fixture, winning 93 times against Newcastle’s 49 victories, with 45 matches ending in a draw. The goal difference is also striking, with Liverpool netting 333 goals compared to Newcastle’s 223, a gap of 110 goals.

Key Players to Watch

For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah remains the focal point of their attacking force, while Newcastle will be relying on the firepower of Alexander Isak to deliver a performance that could tilt the balance in their favor. The Swedish striker will be pivotal in Newcastle’s quest to upset the odds and end their long wait for a major trophy.

Road to the Final

Both teams booked their places in the final after overcoming London-based opponents in the semifinals. Liverpool advanced by defeating Tottenham Hotspur, while Newcastle secured their spot by eliminating Arsenal over two legs.

Expected Lineups

Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Diaz, Jota, Salah.
Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Burn, Schar, Trippier; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes; Barnes, Isak, Murphy.

With history, form, and hunger for silverware at play, the Carabao Cup final is set to be a spectacle for football fans worldwide. Will Liverpool maintain their dominance, or will Newcastle script a fairytale ending to their long trophy drought? The answer awaits at Wembley.