Arne Slot will be aiming to lift his first trophy for Liverpool when the Reds face Newcastle United in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday at Wembley.
Fresh from the Champions League disappointment, this fixture couldn’t have come at the right time for Liverpool, as it gives them an opportunity to add one more trophy to their cabinet.
Jurgen Klopp’s side won this competition last season by beating Chelsea. Newcastle will be equally charged up as they look to end their 69-year wait for a major trophy.
Ahead of the match, Slot has confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will definitely miss the game against the Magpies after he picked up an injury against Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot has clear favourites regarding team selection at the moment, but he needs to make a couple of big calls.
Predicted Liverpool starting line-up v Newcastle United
Alisson is the first-choice goalkeeper for Liverpool, but Slot has used Caoimhin Kelleher in the cup competition. It won’t be a big surprise to see the Irishman start the game, as he has been equally reliable between the sticks.
However, if the 26-year-old goalkeeper misses out, his future at Anfield could be as good as over.
In defence, Jarrel Quansah will definitely start in the absence of Alexander-Arnold. Slot confirmed that Ibrahima Konate should be able to shake off his cramp and tiredness, and therefore, the Frenchman will retain his place.
In midfield, Curtis Jones has looked way off the pace in recent weeks. Alexis MacAllister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai should retain their places in the side.
Diogo Jota has been really struggling up front, but the same can be said about Darwin Nunez, who missed a penalty against PSG. Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah should continue upfront.
Predicted Liverpool starting XI: Kellher, Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Robertson, MacAllister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz.