Preview: Liverpool vs Newcastle Carabao Cup Final – Who Will Take the Trophy? | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Newcastle: Carabao Cup Final Preview, Kick-Off Time, TV, Live Stream & Prediction

Silverware at Stake in High-Stakes Wembley Clash

Liverpool and Newcastle United face off in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with both sides chasing a statement victory in their seasons.

For Liverpool, the challenge is clear. Arne Slot, in his first season at Anfield, has already experienced the sting of European disappointment. The Reds’ Champions League exit to PSG on penalties was a cruel blow, and the Dutchman must now rally his squad to respond in the most emphatic fashion—by lifting the first domestic trophy of the campaign.

The Carabao Cup holds particular significance for Liverpool. It was the final trophy of the Jurgen Klopp era, claimed last season in a dramatic extra-time triumph over Chelsea, despite a depleted squad. The Merseyside club extended their record to ten titles that night; now, under new leadership, they aim for an eleventh.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have their own redemption story to write. Eddie Howe’s side have evolved since last season’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the final, but their hunger for silverware remains unquenched. The Magpies dispatched Arsenal in both legs of the semi-final, demonstrating a growing maturity on the big stage. Their challenge now is to take the final step and deliver the club’s first domestic trophy since 1955.

Photo: IMAGO

It promises to be a compelling contest, with Liverpool’s firepower pitted against Newcastle’s resilience.

Match Details: Date, Kick-Off Time & Venue

Where to Watch Liverpool vs Newcastle

Injury Concerns and Team News

Both teams approach the final with defensive concerns that could significantly impact their line-ups.

Liverpool’s backline has been disrupted, with Trent Alexander-Arnold a doubt after picking up a knock against PSG. Ibrahima Konaté also came off in that game, though Slot suggested fatigue rather than injury was the primary issue. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are expected to miss out, leaving Jarell Quansah likely to start at right-back. Meanwhile, Tyler Morton remains sidelined.

Newcastle’s defensive issues are arguably more severe. Anthony Gordon is suspended following his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup. Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury, while key centre-backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are unavailable. The Magpies must reshuffle at the back, a daunting task against Liverpool’s attacking talent.

Photo: IMAGO

Prediction: Can Newcastle Stop Liverpool’s Momentum?

Liverpool enter the final as favourites, but this is a test of their ability to deliver under Slot when the stakes are highest. Klopp’s side overcame adversity to win this trophy last season, but now, with fresh leadership, they must prove they can still perform in major finals.

Newcastle, wounded by last year’s final heartbreak, will be desperate to make amends. They showed their quality against Arsenal in the semi-finals, but losing Gordon to suspension—after his pivotal role in those games—is a significant blow.

The Magpies will likely try to contain Liverpool’s attacking fluidity and hit on the break, but with key defensive absences, stopping the Reds will be an immense challenge.

Liverpool’s experience in high-pressure situations, combined with their superior squad depth, should see them lift the trophy once again.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle