The odds are stacked against Eddie Howe and Newcastle United when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final this month.
The build-up to the 2025 Carabao Cup final has been nothing short of disastrous for Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe was “exhausted” before the 2023 final, so Newcastle made changes to their approach this year including fewer media duties.
But it seems this year will be just as stressful, with Eddie Howe facing several selection headaches after an unfortunate string of injuries and a suspension.
Lewis Hall’s season is over with the young defender requiring surgery on his ankle. Sven Botman is also out injured, while Anthony Gordon will miss the final after picking up a red card in the FA Cup.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
What happened when Newcastle last faced Liverpool at Wembley?
Newcastle’s record at Wembley looks bleak heading into this month’s final. Many fans will remember the FA Cup final in 1974 – which was the last time these two sides met at Wembley.
It was Newcastle’s first time back at Wembley since the 1955 FA Cup final, but the result turned out very differently.
Joe Harvey’s Newcastle held out for the first 45 minutes but collapsed in the second half with Bill Shankly winning his last-ever game as Liverpool manager.
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Kevin Keegan proved to be the difference maker, scoring twice in the second half either side of Stephen Heighway’s goal.
Newcastle’s 100% winning rate at Wembley came crashing to an end, and the Magpies are still looking to end their now 70-year trophy drought.
Eddie Howe’s record vs Liverpool doesn’t offer hope
Newcastle were always going to head to Wembley as underdogs against Liverpool, but the injury and suspension news has only dented hope.
Unfortunately, Howe’s record against Liverpool only adds to the pessimism that Newcastle fans are feeling at the moment.
Howe has taken on Liverpool 21 times in his career and only won once, with 18 defeats suffered along the way.
READ MORE:The 26 footballers who have played for Newcastle United and Liverpool ahead of Carabao Cup final
However, Newcastle drew 3-3 against Liverpool this season and went toe-to-toe with Arne Slot’s side at St James’ Park.
The injury news hasn’t all been negative, either, with Alexander Isak likely to be fit for the Wembley showpiece.