All eyes turn to Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 16, where Newcastle United and Liverpool will battle for the coveted Carabao Cup. This final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure the first piece of silverware of the season.
Match Preview
Liverpool, the reigning champions, have a storied history in the EFL League Cup, having won the trophy a record 10 times. Under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, the Reds have been in scintillating form this season, dominating the Premier League and dispatching formidable opponents like West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur to reach the final.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, are on a quest to end a 70-year domestic trophy drought. The Magpies last tasted domestic success in the 1954-55 FA Cup and have never won the EFL League Cup.
Manager Eddie Howe has revitalized the team, leading them to victories over Nottingham Forest, Wimbledon, Chelsea, Brentford, and Arsenal to secure their place in the final.
Team News
Liverpool will be without key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley due to injuries, while Ibrahima Konate’s fitness remains a concern. Cody Gakpo, however, has returned from injury and is expected to feature.
Newcastle face their own challenges, with Anthony Gordon suspended and Lewis Hall and Sven Botman sidelined due to injuries.
Despite these setbacks, the Magpies have a strong squad, with Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes expected to play pivotal roles.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: (4-2-3-1)
– Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
– Defenders: Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate,
– Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai
– Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota
Newcastle United: (4-3-3)
– Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
– Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento
– Midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock
– Forwards: Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Joelinton.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool and Newcastle have a long history of competitive encounters, having faced each other 189 times across all competitions since 1893. Liverpool have the upper hand with 94 wins, while Newcastle have claimed 50 victories, and 45 matches have ended in draws.
Predictions
Pundits are divided on the outcome of this highly anticipated final. Paul Merson predicts a 1-1 draw, with Liverpool winning on penalties, citing the Reds’ experience in finals as a key factor. Gary Neville and Roy Keane also favor Liverpool, predicting a 2-0 or 3-1 victory, respectively.
As the two teams prepare to clash at Wembley, fans can expect a high-stakes, action-packed encounter. Will Liverpool defend their title and secure an 11th League Cup victory, or will Newcastle end their long wait for domestic glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this Carabao Cup final is set to be a memorable showdown.
