Pundits and former players have been making their predictions for the Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
London is being taken over by Newcastle United fans who are desperate to see them win the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Newcastle are more confident in 2025, according to Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes who will lead the team out in front of over 30,000 fans. The Brazilian is eager to avenge the 2023 defeat to Manchester United, he was left in tears on the pitch after the Magpies lost 2-0 on the day.
Elsewhere, Toon boss Eddie Howe has called for Newcastle fans’ support ahead of the game, claiming that they will be the difference maker like they were in the semi-final against Arsenal at St James’ Park.
The way the last two weeks have gone, the game it truly in the balance with both teams missing key players making it an incredibly tough call.
Andy Carroll predicted a Newcastle win, believing his boyhood club will win 2-1 to end the 70-year wait for a domestic honour.
Now, former Newcastle player Warren Barton has thrown his two cents into the argument, making a big claim about the final.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Warren Barton predicts Carabao Cup winner
Barton played in Newcastle’s last two FA Cup finals, losing both of them to Arsenal and Man United respectively, he knows exactly what it’s like to lose at Wembley and will hope the current crop of players avoid the same double heartbreak he endured during his seven years on Tyneside.
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Unlike Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, the former England international won’t be at the final on Sunday but will be watching from afar hoping his old club can do what he wasn’t able to.
Speaking to podcaster Andy Jaye, Barton was asked for his prediction ahead of the final.
“We are winning,” Barton said.
“I think it will go to penalties, and we will win on penalties. I think that will be a glorious day.
“I’m actually going to say Monday is a national holiday for Newcastle. Everybody off of work. Everybody go out and celebrate.”
Eddie Howe’s record vs Liverpool ahead of Carabao Cup final
By no means are Newcastle in for an easy ride at Wembley, Liverpool are looking to defend their Carabao Cup win from last year and need a win to keep their domestic double hopes alive.
Liverpool are without Trent Alexander-Arnold for the final after he picked up a knee injury in their gruelling defeat to PSG on Tuesday night.
Eddie Howe Record vs Liverpool
Wins 1
Draws 2
Defeats 18
Sadly, Howe’s record against Liverpool makes for some fairly grim reading. The Newcastle boss has won just once in 21 games against the Reds, beating them 4-3 while manager of Bournemouth in the 2016/17 season.
Howe has lost all but one game against Liverpool while Newcastle boss, the 3-3 draw at St James’ Park last December.
It means Howe must do something he never has at Newcastle if he wants to lift the Carabao Cup. He knows he’ll have the backing of the fans, so it’s down to his squad to deliver for them.