Lee Clark
Lee Clark (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Lee Clark is confident that Newcastle United players won't act like "tourists" at this year's Carabao Cup final.
That appeared to be the case in the 2023 Wembley showpiece when an average-looking Manchester United team swatted Newcastle aside and went on to lift the trophy for Erik ten Hag. A few weeks later, Newcastle easily beat the Red Devils at St James' Park and have done so consistently in subsequent meetings.
A clash with Liverpool is a much more demanding affair for the Magpies though and while Clark is not writing off the chances of a victory he too craves like any other passionate fan, he believes it will be about United's approach on the big day.
Clark told Chronicle: "That's what happens: you get there, and then there is such a long wait before the final, you just hope that the team can focus and just concentrate on the games in front of them. To be fair, they have done that, although it has been hard with the couple of injuries and the suspensions. The final will have been in everybody's mind and on everybody's lips.
"But they put in a real professional performance the other night at West Ham. Just a few days away from a final but they worked hard and showed how focused the group were.
"I have heard a couple of comments from some of the players who say that 2023's experience will hold them in good stead. They won't be going into the unknown now and understand what is coming up. There was a lot more excitement then, but this year the build-up has been calmer with the preparation. It will help what happened last time because now it's not new.
"They aren't going there like tourists. That can happen when it is your first time or the club have not been there for a while. You go there and it is can be daunting. But now there is a lot of positive things to look forward to in terms of what can be done this year."
Liverpool suffered a penalty shoot out exit at Anfield to Paris St-Germain in midweek and Clark knows that will have a major bearing on Arne Slot's side. The former Newcastle star said: "I don't think the physical side of it will be an issue for Liverpool, these are finely tuned athletes we are talking about after all. They are supreme athletes. However, what could be an issue is the mental side.
"It was a brilliant game against PSG to watch against a very good side who showed over two legs. Losing any game is tough, but when you lose on penalties, it can have an even harder effect on you.
"Emotionally and mentally, it may have taken a lot out of them. You might say the way to bounce back is to win a final and take your opportunity to win the season's first major honours."
In the build-up to the game, Howe admitted he would have to "disappoint" somebody in terms of his team selection. And most people can now see that will be between Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope.
Clark reflected: "What a really tough decision for the manager. It is hard enough in any game picking a tough XI. Knowing you have disappointed players who work so hard through the week. It looks like they have a great group of players.
"That has been shown over many seasons. To disappoint anybody in a cup final when everybody wants to play is a tough call for the manager.
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"Because of the injuries and suspensions, the outfield almost picks itself. There might be one or two that think they can get in there still. Lewis Miley possibly. But certainly the goalkeeping situation is the toughest decision to make.
"The players will be ready for the game now, they will want things to start moving. The media will hype the game up and that has to be done as it is a cup final and part of the process. The players will just want to focus at 4.30pm Sunday and getting the job done. The scrutiny that players are under now is immense.
"Everything they do, how they are analysed and how the game is dissected whether team or individual performances. Media coverage and Press conferences now are huge and it will go up another notch this week.
"You understand that. The players are under constant pressure to deliver. What they do have is the experience of 2023. They are a tight group and hopefully it can all help them achieve a positive result."
So where will the game be won and lost? Clark feels it is in the engine room he'd love to be contesting himself with the former midfield battler the type of star who relished the big occasion.
Clark said: "The experienced players, Bruno has it at club and international level. Kieran Trippier has it with England and club level. Those two will be key. On the day of the game where do I see it being won and lost?
""I speak as a former midfielder and I know that is the area that will have a lot of sway over how the final is dictated. Tonali, Guimaraes and Joelinton against Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. That is a mouth watering tactical battle.
"Up top you have Alexander Isak up against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate which will be a real battle. Defensively for Newcastle it looks like Tino Livramento is left-back and how does he handle Mo Salah?
"There are great battles all over the pitch. It will be intriguing to see the tactical ploys from both coaches. Both coaches like to attack so it has the makings of a great final... but only for the winners. As everybody knows Wembley is not a place for losers. It is an awful place if you lose.
"Fingers crossed this time the trophy is coming back to the North-East."
This will be the third final Clark has attended in as many years. The Walker lad was in the commentary box with Talksport in 2023 for the defeat to Man United, then in the family area for last year's win for Liverpool over Chelsea and this year he will be back working in the media.
Bobby Clark and Conor Hourihane during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Derby County
Clark ended the game in tears last season as he watched his son Bobby go up the famous Wembley steps to collect his winners medal. Looking back on the encounter, Clark said: "It was a roller-coaster. But the pride at the end when he became a winner and won his first major honour at such an early part of his career.
"It was immense, and the pride was phenomenal. Nothing in my own sporting career toppled that, it was just an unbelievable feeling," he added. "It was different being there as a parent to see your son making a big contribution to a major club to win a major trophy.
"Now, I will be there as an absolute black and white supporter. Wanting the club to break this hoodoo of not winning a domestic trophy for 70 years. Hopefully, this is an opportunity. And I'll be feeling emotional for different reasons this time."