Liverpool vs Newcastle: 4 key factors that could decide the EFL Cup final | OneFootball

The first trophy of the season for Premier League clubs will be decided on Sunday at Wembley as Liverpool take on Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final. The Reds, who have one hand on the Premier League title, will be looking to secure their first silverware of the season. For Newcastle, the EFL Cup remains their only chance at a trophy this campaign.

Here’s what to look out for.

1. Key absences could shape the final

Both teams are dealing with availability issues concerning key players. For Liverpool, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are ruled out. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konaté and Trent Alexander-Arnold were forced off due to injuries in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. However, as per manager Arne Slot, Konaté is expected to be fit.

For Newcastle United, Lewis Hall and Sven Botman will miss out due to injuries. Additionally, the final will be one of the matches Anthony Gordon is suspended for after his straight red against Brighton in their defeat in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Unlike Liverpool, the players missing for Eddie Howe are key members of his preferred starting XI.

Up front, both teams will have their talismans available. Liverpool will count on top scorer Mohamed Salah. Meanwhile Newcastle United will have Alexander Isak back after his recent injury, which kept him out of their last Premier League meeting against Liverpool.

2. Liverpool’s dominance over Newcastle: A one-sided rivalry?

Looking at past encounters, Liverpool are the outright favorites. Newcastle’s last victory against the Reds came in December 2015. Since then, they have suffered 12 defeats against Sunday’s opponents.

The most recent clash between the two sides took place at the end of February, with Arne Slot’s team securing a 2-0 victory. Notably, Alexander Isak was absent due to injury in that match.

3. Momentum vs Inconsistency: A tale of two teams

In terms of form, Liverpool undoubtedly have the momentum. Before their UEFA Champions League elimination, they were unbeaten since their shocking FA Cup fourth-round loss to Plymouth Argyle. However, they lost to Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday before being knocked out on penalties.

On the other hand, Newcastle United’s form has been inconsistent, with five wins and five losses in their last 10 matches. Their struggles have been detrimental to their bid for a top-four finish in the league. However, they head into the final on the back of a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.

4. History beckons: Will Liverpool extend their legacy or can Newcastle end the drought?

Liverpool are the defending champions, having defeated Chelsea 1-0 in last year’s final at Wembley. They are also the most successful club in the competition’s history, with 10 titles from 14 final appearances.

Newcastle, in contrast, have only reached the final twice, losing on both occasions. Their last appearance was in the 2022-23 season when Eddie Howe’s side fell 2-0 to Manchester United.

History favors Liverpool, both in terms of their EFL Cup record and head-to-head results. However, cup finals are unpredictable, and Newcastle will hope that proves true as they look to end their 69-year wait for a major trophy.