Newcastle United are heading to Wembley as the underdogs against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Liverpool lifted the trophy last season and are looking to defend their title against a Newcastle United side hoping to end a 70-year trophy drought.
Eddie Howe’s side will head to London with confidence following a hard-earned 1-0 win over West Ham on Monday evening. In contrast, Liverpool were dumped out of the Champions League on Tuesday after a gruelling 120-minute showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Newcastle’s squad has been weakened by injuries and suspensions. Anthony Gordon’s red card means he misses out, while Lewis Hall is out injured and Sven Botman has suffered a setback in his recovery.
Howe has kept Newcastle focused having learned from the mistakes made two years ago against Manchester United. But up against a dominant Liverpool side, it is certainly not going to be easy.
Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney predict Carabao Cup final
There is no doubt that Liverpool are favourites to win at Wembley on Sunday, but an underdog label could suit a hungry Newcastle side.
On the latest episode of The Overlap, pundits Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney had their turn at guessing Sunday’s scoreline.
Unfortunately, they only see it going one way and predicted a win for Arne Slot’s side.
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“Here we go. I think Liverpool win 2-1 or 2-0. 2-0 Liverpool,” Neville said, with Rooney nodding in agreement.
Roy Keane and Ian Wright agreed from across the table, predicting a 3-1 win for Liverpool at Wembley.
Earlier in the week, another former Manchester United player in Nicky Butt predicted Newcastle to win the final.
Injury news ahead of Carabao Cup final
After a disastrous week where Hall, Botman and Gordon all ruled themselves out of the final, Newcastle managed to avoid adding any more injuries against West Ham.
Harvey Barnes provided a fitness update and admitted he has grown in confidence after getting some minutes against West Ham this week.
There was also some concern around Alexander Isak’s fitness, but Howe has rubbished all rumours and made it clear that he is fully fit and ready to start.
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As for Liverpool, it seems Slot may be without some key players at Wembley. Trent Alexander-Arnold is injured and expected to miss Sunday’s match. With Conor Bradley also injured, they may be forced to play a makeshift right-back.
Alan Shearer calling Alisson ‘outstanding’ against PSG earlier this week, but it has also been suggested that he may be replaced by Newcastle target Caoimhin Kelleher at Wembley.