Alan Shearer has named which duel he’s most excited for in the Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
The Newcastle United legend will be at Wembley Stadium on Sunday to hopefully see his team do something he was never able to do in his 10 years at the club – win a trophy.
Alan Shearer played two FA Cup finals for Newcastle during his time on Tyneside, losing to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively. The Magpies record goalscorer will be joined by former Newcastle owner Amanda Staveley at Wembley. It was recently revealed that Staveley was gifted cup final tickets by Newcastle in a gesture of goodwill.
Eddie Howe sent a plea to Newcastle fans ahead of the final asking for them to be in full voice at Wembley like they were in 2023. Fans will be hoping this time that Newcastle will come back to Tyneside with the trophy.
Shearer recalled an ’embarrassing’ Newcastle memory after he lost the 1998 final where the players went on an open-top bus with thousands of fans. Although a moment he looks back on with regret, Shearer believes its a testament to how much the fans want to see their club win a trophy.
With London calling, Shearer has revealed which battle he is most excited for ahead of the game between Newcastle and Liverpool.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Alan Shearer’s Carabao Cup excitement
Liverpool were beaten by PSG on penalties in the Champions League on Tuesday after 120 gruelling minutes. Newcastle go into the game with increased confidence after beating West Ham United in their first of two trips to the capital on Monday night.
Reds boss Arne Slot revealed Trent Alexander-Arnold is out for the final – Jarrell Quansah is the most likely replacement.
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Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer believed that the lengthy game Liverpool had to play can only be a positive for Newcastle who were able to sit back and watch their opponents bow out of Europe’s top competition.
“The extra-time for Liverpool could only have worked in Newcastle’s favour a little bit,” he said.
“We might need that little bit, you never know.
“If the Newcastle turn up that can be nasty and horrible to play against and press and all of those things that they’re really good at which has helped get them to the position that they’re in then who knows.
“Isak (vs) Van Dijk is going to be a great battle. It really is because you’re going up against two quality players. Isak’s already scored against Van Dijk this season. I’m excited, I can’t wait.”
Alexander Isak has been in sensational form this season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions including one against Liverpool at St James’ Park last December. Fans will be willing him on to do the same at Wembley.
Newcastle’s wait for a trophy could soon be over
It’s fair to say that Newcastle’s trophy history is not one that fans look back on with much pride. The last major trophy they won was when they lifted the Fairs Cup in 1969, you have to go back to 1955 to see when they last won a domestic honour.
The agonising wait will undoubtedly make a win on Sunday so much sweeter, but by no means is it a straightforward task.
Howe has taken a cautious approach at Newcastle ahead of the final, ensuring his players do not get too emotional before the game. The Magpies fell foul of that in 2023 and were left heartbroken when they watched Man United lift the Carabao Cup in the stands at Wembley.
Automatic qualification for the Europa Conference League also awaits the winner, something which will make Newcastle even more eager to get the job done.
There will be over 30,000 fans at Wembley for the final, they’ll be ready to celebrate when the time comes.