Liverpool and Newcastle go head-to-head for the Carabao Cup on Sunday as both clubs aim for what would be a hugely significant trophy win.
The two sides have been here before, of course, with the Reds beating Chelsea in 2022 and 2024, while Newcastle reached the 2023 final only to lose against Man United.
The Magpies will be hoping to go one better at Wembley and win their first major silverware since 1955.
For Liverpool, they’ll be desperate to wipe away the stain of a tough Champions League exit at the hands of PSG and win the first trophy of the Arne Slot reign.
There have already been two meetings between the sides this season. A 3-3 draw was played out at St James’ Park in December, while Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield two months later.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes played in both of those matches. And as he prepares to face the Reds for a third time this term, Bruno has given his thoughts and feelings on the midfield he’ll come up against at Wembley.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes hails Liverpool midfield
Had things taken a different turn, there’s a chance that Bruno could have been in the Liverpool midfield for Sunday’s showpiece.
The Brazilian now feels to be part of the furniture at St James’, but it was not so long ago that Bruno was heavily linked with Liverpool.
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A feisty character, the 27-year-old would have added quality and bite to the Reds’ midfield. Not that they lack that, truthfully, and according to Bruno, Liverpool’s midfield is going to be key to Sunday’s game.
“They are one of the best teams in the world, they have a midfield who pass a lot of good balls to Salah to shine,” the Brazil international told Sky Sports.
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“But it’s not just Salah, it’s the midfield which is making them shine as well.
“They have good players,” Bruno continues. “They can defend, attack, they keep the ball very well. They have been great this season – especially Mac Allister and Gravenberch, they’ve been playing out of their skin.”
Bruno backs Newcastle midfield
Bruno is absolutely right that Liverpool’s midfield has been terrific this season. He does leave out Dominik Szoboszlai, but between them the Hungarian, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have formed a superb unit.
Newcastle’s trio of Bruno, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton is not bad in itself, though. And looking ahead to the game, the Magpies skipper clearly feels they can win the midfield battle.
“I think the midfield is the heart of the team, everything is going through the midfield,” he says. “If you have a consistent midfield, you can defend and attack as one.
“I think Joe [Joelinton], myself and Sandro [Tonali] we compliment each other so it’s important to have a good midfield, you can fight for everything.
“We hope we are going to have a good day to help the team, to keep the clean sheet, it’s going to be very important because Liverpool is actually on fire. In my point of view, they are the best team in the world.”