Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has offered his view on this month's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool
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Pundit and former Newcastle United player Alan Shearer looks on
Alan Shearer has offered his view on Newcastle's chances of upsetting Liverpool in next weekend's Carabao Cup final at Wembley
Alan Shearer is optimistic that Newcastle United can upset Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table, 23 points behind the Reds.
The Magpies have also failed to win a major trophy since 1955 and were comfortably beaten by Arne Slot's side in their most recent meeting, a 2-0 defeat at Anfield on February 26.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are on course for a treble of league, league cup and Champions League as they chase their first piece of silverware under Slot.
But legendary former Newcastle striker Shearer has hope that his former team can cause the Reds problems.
He points to Wigan's famous upset win over Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup final as evidence that they can beat Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday, March 16.
"If Newcastle are going to win the Carabao Cup, then they're going to have to do things the hard way," he said via Betfair. "That's fine - teams have done it the hard way before.
"Nobody expected Wigan to go to Wembley and beat Man City in the FA Cup final in 2013, but they did! Without doubt, Liverpool will be the favourites. It hasn't helped Newcastle's cause with Lewis Hall being ruled out for the season, and now Anthony Gordon ruled out too.
"I'm optimistic though, I'll be there and can't wait for it. It's going to be tough - we need them to be right at it and if they are, then they definitely can win it with the quality they have.
"We need Isak fit for that reason and need everyone playing really well.
"Liverpool are a very good team, there's no doubt about that. It's not quite the gap Wigan faced in terms of quality, but Liverpool are still favourites and I just want Newcastle to give it a good go."