Liverpool vs Newcastle: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Liverpool and Newcastle United will compete for the first major silverware of the English football campaign on Sunday when they lock horns in the Carabao Cup final.

For the Reds, it's an opportunity to retain their title after they triumphed in last year's showpiece event. They are the competition's most decorated club, with the weekend contest offering them the chance to claim an 11th crown.

By contrast, Newcastle have never won the Carabao Cup in any of its guises, twice beaten finalists previously. Their defeat in the 2022/23 final extended their wait for significant silverware, with the Magpies last lifting a major trophy in 1955. That drought could end this weekend.

Newcastle don't have an impressive record against Liverpool - last beating them in 2015 - but will catch them at a rare fragile moment during Arne Slot's debut campaign. After playing 120 minutes and being dumped out of the Champions League midweek, the Magpies could take advantage of any mental and physical fatigue.

Here is 90min's guide to the clash at Wembley.

What time does Liverpool vs Newcastle kick-off?

Liverpool vs Newcastle head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Liverpool vs Newcastle on TV - UK & US

Liverpool team news

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be missing for Liverpool / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be a significant absentee for the Reds after he sustained an ankle injury in Tuesday's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Slot has confirmed that he's unavailable for the final and with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez also sidelined, Liverpool have a dilemma at right-back.

Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo and even Curtis Jones will be considered for the role against Newcastle - Slot suggesting the latter can operate there during his pre-match press conference - while there's also the possibility that Kostas Tsimikas or Andy Robertson fill the void.

Tyler Morton is Liverpool's only other guaranteed absentee, the midfielder currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. Ibrahima Konate is also a doubt after sustaining a knock against PSG but is expected to feature.

Slot has a decision to make over starting Caoimhin Kelleher or Alisson in between the sticks, the former having played the bulk of Carabao Cup matches this season. There's also likely to be a recall for Cody Gakpo, who returned from injury via the bench midweek.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

Newcastle team news

Anthony Gordon misses out through suspension / Stu Forster/GettyImages

Newcastle will be without four players for their trip to the capital, with Anthony Gordon the most devastating absentee. The electric winger - who was once let go by Liverpool as a youngster - is unavailable through suspension after being shown a red card in the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lewis Hall is missing for the remainder of the campaign and will be replaced by one of Tino Livramento or Kieran Trippier, while Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman are absent in the heart of defence.

Harvey Barnes will fill the void left by Gordon's suspension, while Martin Dubravka could be restored to the starting lineup having been used in the cup competitions this term.

Newcastle predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-3-3): Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.

Liverpool vs Newcastle score prediction

Liverpool's midweek excursion could take its toll on Sunday, with Newcastle not in action since last Monday. The Reds have played far more football than their Tyneside opponents this season and will still be kicking themselves after their European exit.

Newcastle certainly have the tools to cause chaos, especially in midfield and attack, but they lack the experience of the Reds. Their 2022/23 final trip will serve them well but the pressure could get to them on Sunday.

Liverpool beat Newcastle with ease just a few weeks ago at Anfield and have an incredibly strong record against the Magpies. With their knockout knowhow and superior squad, they could shade a tight encounter on the big stage.