While often inconsistent in the Premier League over the past season or so, Howe has transformed Newcastle from a laughing stock in knockout competition to a seasoned cup team.
The Magpies will be desperate to make amends following their defeat to Manchester United in the 2023 final of this tournament, having failed to really show up upon their return to a major final for the first time in a generation.
Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Joelinton are all options to replace him on the left-hand side of the attack. Newcastle operated with a back-three in their semi-final second leg win over Arsenal, leaving Gordon up front with [Alexander Isak](/topic/alexander-isak).
Should Howe look to do something similar here, Callum Wilson could feasibly partner Isak, who appears to have shaken off a thigh problem ahead of the final, although that looks less likely.
Alexander Isak looks free of fitness concerns as Newcastle take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final
Tino Livramento will almost certainly start in place of Hall and ahead of Matt Targett or Dan Burn at left-back, with Kieran Trippier on the right.
Burn will likely partner Fabian Schar in central defence and Howe’s midfield should pick itself unless Joelinton is deployed on the left wing. In that case, Willock could partner Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in central midfield.
**Newcastle predicted XI**: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Joelinton
**Injured**: Hall, Botman, Lascelles
**Time and date**: 4.30pm GMT on Sunday 16 March 2025
**TV channel live stream**: Sky Sports, ITV, STV