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Discover how AI analysis sees Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley playing out.
Like it or loathe it, we live a world where AI - or artificial intelligence - is creeping into every corner of society. Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction. Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict football results.
So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Newcastle United take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at Wembley looking to end what is the longest trophy drought of any major English football club - the Magpies have not won a domestic trophy since 1955, a run that stretches back 70 years. And here’s what it said.
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The context
It depends whether you’re a glass half full, or glass half empty person, really, when assessing Newcastle United’s chances in the Carabao Cup final v Liverpool. There are some who are sure common sense will prevail and the team widely regarded as one of the best on the planet - despite PSG struggles - will walk through the injury and suspension-depleted Magpies with ease. There are also those who think the football gods are shining down on the Magpies and this is there time. It’s fair to say there’s plenty in-between. Grok is definitely in the former.
When assessing the context behind the game, it thinks the Trent Alexander-Arnold injury could be a key factor. It says: “Liverpool enter the final as favourites, and for good reason. They’ve been a dominant force this season, leading the Premier League by a significant margin and showcasing resilience across competitions. Their recent 4-0 demolition of Tottenham in the semi-final second leg (4-1 aggregate) underlines their attacking potency and squad depth, with Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk all contributing goals. However, their midweek Champions League exit against PSG (on penalties after 120 minutes) could introduce fatigue, especially with key defensive injuries. Trent Alexander-Arnold is doubtful after a knock, and with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez also likely out, Jarell Quansah may step in at right-back—a potential vulnerability against Newcastle’s pace. Ibrahima Konate’s substitution against PSG was reportedly due to fatigue rather than injury, so he’s expected to start alongside Van Dijk.”
When looking into the Magpies and their chances, it thinks lessons of 2022 - where Newcastle were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United - have been learned. It says: “Newcastle, meanwhile, have earned their spot with gritty performances, notably a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal in the semi-finals. Their 1-0 victory against West Ham earlier this week shows they’re in fighting form, with Bruno Guimarães pulling the strings. However, they’re hampered by absences: Anthony Gordon is suspended, Lewis Hall is out for the season with an ankle injury, and Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are sidelined, leaving their defence reliant on Fabian Schär and Dan Burn. Alexander Isak remains a clinical threat up top, and Sandro Tonali’s energy in midfield could disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm. Eddie Howe’s side has learned from their 2023 final loss to Manchester United, where they failed to seize the moment, and their underdog status might fuel a more fearless approach this time.”
The prediction: Newcastle United ?? Liverpool ??
Grok is sure Liverpool win, but it thinks Newcastle inflict a few bruises - and score their first goal at Wembley since Rob Lee in 2000.
It says: “The game starts cagily, with Newcastle striking first in the 15th minute via Isak from a Trippier free-kick, exploiting an early Liverpool defensive lapse. Liverpool equalize before halftime through Salah, who capitalizes on a quick break. The second half sees Liverpool take the lead with a Gakpo header from an Andy Robertson cross in the 60th minute. Newcastle push late, but Alisson denies a Tonali effort, and Szoboszlai seals it in stoppage time on a counter. Final score: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United after 90 minutes. Extra time feels unlikely given Liverpool’s knack for closing out games, though Newcastle’s resolve could make it tense.This outcome hinges on Liverpool overcoming their injury concerns and fatigue, while Newcastle’s depleted squad might just fall short against a side built for finals. Anything can happen at Wembley, but Liverpool’s firepower should prevail. “