Alan Shearer has named his Newcastle United starting lineup, including who should replace Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall, for their Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool. The Magpies can end a 70-year wait for major domestic silverware when they collide with Arne Slot's Reds at Wembley on Sunday (March 16).
Eddie Howe has tough decisions to make over his XI, including attending to Gordon's absence following his sending-off against Brighton & Hove Albion in their FA Cup exit two weeks ago. The English winger had been a standout performer for the Tyneside outfit until recently, and Howe must find a way to ensure his suspension doesn't ruin their plans to triumph in London.
Hall will also miss the final after suffering a season-ending foot injury before the Brighton loss, handing Howe another massive headache. Shearer, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, thinks they'll be 'big losses' but named who should replace the ex-Chelsea youngster and Gordon.
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope/Martin Dubravka
Shearer didn't name which of Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka he expects to start the Carabao Cup final. Howe has kept everyone out of the loop regarding who he views as his number one, rotating between the veteran pair since Pope returned from a knee injury in February.
Pope, 32, started his side's last three Premier League games, including a 2-0 defeat to Sunday's opponents but impressed in a 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Monday. But he hasn't been the Magpies' number one in the cup this season as Dubravka, 36, has been between the sticks for four of their six games and kept two clean sheets in the semi-final win over Arsenal.
Howe admits he'll have a 'tough call' to make over who starts in goal against Liverpool. He doesn't look likely to give anything away ahead of the trip to Wembley, which may help unsettle Slot and his attackers, who will be licking their wounds after crashing out of the UEFA Champions League.
Nick Pope vs Martin Dubravka this season
Goalkeeper:
Appearances
Clean Sheets
Defenders
Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Tivo Livramento
Shearer tips Howe to put Kieran Trippier in his preferred right-back position and use Tivo Livramento at left-back, which was the method used in the West Ham win. The former Chelsea full-back has displayed impressive versatility since arriving at St James' Park and his pace and energy will likely be preferred when trying to handle Mohamed Salah.
"With Livramento's pace, I think he'll stick him in at left-back. Against Mo Salah, he's going to have to have a good game, isn't he."
There wasn't any word on who the Premier League's all-time top scorer expects at centre-back, but Sven Botman won't be available due to a knee injury. This suggests Howe will turn to Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in defence, and the pair must be at their best against the top-flight's most dangerous attack.
Midfield
Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton
Shearer selected a midfield three of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton, who have been excellent for most of the season. The trio played together in an enthralling 3-3 draw against Liverpool in December, with Guimaraes opening up the Reds' defence with a ball forward to Alexander Isak.
There have been some occasions when the Magpies midfield haven't been a cohesive unit, though, including in a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in February. The final could be won and lost in midfield, and Howe will be eager for his trio to get the better of Slot's potential three, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.
Attack
Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes is Shearer's answer to the Gordon dilemma, and the English attacker started in their win at West Ham. The former Leicester City winger possesses a similar playing style to the suspended Gordon, with a direct approach, speed and the occasional lethal finish. He can go missing in games, which may be a concern, but he's 'a good replacement' according to Gary Lineker.
There's no arguing over Alexander Isak starting as the Swede has been sensational this season with 22 goals in 32 games across competitions. He tormented Arsenal in the semi-finals and will be relishing facing a Liverpool side he's managed three goals in five games against.
Jacob Murphy was selected on the right, and his hard work and attacking threat often go unnoticed amid the superstar talent on Howe's side. He has managed a goal and an assist in three Carabao Cup games this season and could be one to watch up against likely starter Andy Robertson.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 12/03/2025.
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