The Carabao Cup final is just around the corner and Bruno Guimaraes believes Newcastle United are more than capable of defeating Liverpool.
Newcastle United picked up a much needed confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final by narrowly defeating West Ham United 1-0 on Monday night.
It was far from a classic in the capital but Bruno Guimaraes’ second-half strike ensured Eddie Howe’s side picked up a vital three points in the race for a Champions League place.
Guimaraes was spotted singing along with fans after full-time, showing just how important it was for the Magpies to get back to winning ways.
With performances dropping and several crucial players – Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Sven Botman – being ruled out of the final, morale has dropped ahead of the trip to Wembley.
However, Guimaraes’ confidence is sky high and he believes Alexander Isak and Joelinton will be the weapons his side need to defeat Liverpool.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes names Alexander Isak the world’s best striker
Speaking to Sky Sports after the big three points, Guimaraes was asked if he thinks Newcastle can beat Liverpool and then which players can ensure they lift the Carabao Cup.
The Brazilian said: “Of course I think so. I believe that we can win.
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“It’s a final, anything can happen. I believe our fans can make the difference for us. For us it’s like the World Cup.
“We want to make history for this club, it’s a long time for the fans without a trophy and for us it’s a big game. We believe we can go there and hopeful we can get the trophy.
“I think Isak, for me, the moment, he is the best striker in the world.
“Joelinton. Our midfield has been our strength. We work hard as a team.
“We have to go there and compete, give everything that we can and we will win the game. I believe that we can.
“Going to be very difficult, like I said, nowadays for me Liverpool is the best team in the world. It’s a final, anything can happen. “
Newcastle need Isak at his best at Wembley
The win is vital for Newcastle as it sees them move back to level points with Manchester City, who are fifth, and just two points from fourth-placed Chelsea.
With fifth place likely to lead to Champions League football next season, Newcastle are in a good spot to return to Europe’s biggest competition.
But of a more immediate concern, Newcastle appeared to make it through the match without any more injuries. That’s a victory in itself.
Isak limped off the field in last weekend’s defeat to Brighton but Howe always maintained he wasn’t injured and risked starting the Swede against West Ham.
It wasn’t Isak’s best display, though, as he often cut an isolated figure and was snuffed out by the Hammers’ low defensive block.
If Newcastle are to pull off the upset and end their 70-year wait for a trophy, then they will need Isak to be at his best like he was in the 3-3 draw with Liverpool in December.