Liverpool and Newcastle clash in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday, and we’ve got a preview and prediction for the match, as well as all the team news and confirmed line-ups.
Liverpool vs Newcastle Carabao Cup Final Preview
The stage is set for a thrilling EFL Cup final as Liverpool and Newcastle United clash under the iconic Wembley arch.
Last year’s victors Liverpool seek to defend their title and secure their 11th League Cup triumph, while Newcastle are desperate to end a 70-year trophy drought.
Liverpool have dominated the competition in recent years and aim to continue their streak, having previously claimed the trophy in the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons.
Meanwhile, Newcastle came agonisingly close to silverware two seasons ago, only to fall short against Manchester United.
Can Eddie Howe’s men finally break their curse, or will Arne Slot celebrate his first trophy in English football?
For more Liverpool vs Newcastle stats, click here.
The Road to Wembley ends here!
Which team will be leaving as #CarabaoCup winners 2025? 🏆#EFL | #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/ySHoPxcer0
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) March 16, 2025
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool have been dealt a major blow with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out due to injury.
To make matters worse, Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are also side-lined, leaving Slot without a recognised right-back. Jarell Quansah is expected to fill the void, though Curtis Jones has also been mentioned as an emergency option.
On a brighter note, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be fit despite being forced off against PSG in midweek.
However, Tyler Morton remains unavailable with a shoulder injury.
Newcastle Team News
Newcastle also face key absences heading into the final. Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles are all side-lined, weakening the Magpies’ defensive depth.
Adding to their woes, Anthony Gordon is suspended following his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup. However, his replacement, Harvey Barnes, impressed against West Ham, setting up Bruno Guimaraes’ winner.
In attack, Newcastle will rely heavily on Alexander Isak, who has been directly involved in four goals across five previous meetings with Liverpool.
🗣️ "Excited, but focused"
Alexander Isak discusses what Sunday's Carabao Cup final means to him as Newcastle have the opportunity to win their first domestic trophy in nearly 70 years ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DB3YCIMlAw
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 14, 2025
Carabao Cup Final Confirmed Lineups
Liverpool Starting XI:
Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Newcastle Starting XI:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes
Carabao Cup Final Prediction
With Liverpool’s defensive options severely depleted, Newcastle’s attacking trio of Murphy, Isak, and Barnes will aim to exploit their weakness. However, Newcastle’s own defensive frailties and lack of cup-final experience could prove costly against a Liverpool side accustomed to high-stakes clashes.
While a close contest is expected, Liverpool’s attacking firepower and experience give them the edge. Slot’s men should narrowly come out on top.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United
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