Discover how AI analysis sees Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final team looking, with some big decisions for Eddie Howe to make v Liverpool at Wembley.
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 starting XI Eddie Howe would pick 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.
Will Howe go for Harvey Barnes, or will Joe Willock or Lewis Miley get the call on the day? And who will win the battle between the sticks - will it be Martin Dubravka who has taken the Magpies to the final, or will usual No.1 Nick Pope continue, having been recently recalled to Howe’s Premier League starting side? Here’s what it said.
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."
1. Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack." | Getty Images
Grok says: "Kieran Trippier has been a consistent starter when fit, including against West Ham, where he played the full 90 minutes. Despite a minor knock against Brighton earlier this month, he’s shown no lingering issues. His set-piece delivery and defensive nous are vital, especially with Liverpool missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, potentially leaving gaps Trippier can exploit. He’s a lock to start."
Grok says: "Kieran Trippier has been a consistent starter when fit, including against West Ham, where he played the full 90 minutes. Despite a minor knock against Brighton earlier this month, he’s shown no lingering issues. His set-piece delivery and defensive nous are vital, especially with Liverpool missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, potentially leaving gaps Trippier can exploit. He’s a lock to start."
2. Right-Back: Kieran Trippier
Grok says: "Kieran Trippier has been a consistent starter when fit, including against West Ham, where he played the full 90 minutes. Despite a minor knock against Brighton earlier this month, he’s shown no lingering issues. His set-piece delivery and defensive nous are vital, especially with Liverpool missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, potentially leaving gaps Trippier can exploit. He’s a lock to start." | Getty Images
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Schär’s ball-playing ability has helpied him build a solid partnership with Dan Burn. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters.
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Schär’s ball-playing ability has helpied him build a solid partnership with Dan Burn. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters.
3. Centre-Back: Fabian Schär
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Schär’s ball-playing ability has helpied him build a solid partnership with Dan Burn. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters. | Getty Images
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Both started against West Ham, with Schär’s ball-playing ability and Burn’s aerial presence forming a solid partnership. They kept a clean sheet there, and Howe praised their resilience post-match. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters."
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Both started against West Ham, with Schär’s ball-playing ability and Burn’s aerial presence forming a solid partnership. They kept a clean sheet there, and Howe praised their resilience post-match. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters."
4. Centre-Back: Dan Burn
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Both started against West Ham, with Schär’s ball-playing ability and Burn’s aerial presence forming a solid partnership. They kept a clean sheet there, and Howe praised their resilience post-match. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters." | Getty Images
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."
Discover how AI analysis sees Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final team looking, with some big decisions for Eddie Howe to make v Liverpool at Wembley.
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 starting XI Eddie Howe would pick 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.
Will Howe go for Harvey Barnes, or will Joe Willock or Lewis Miley get the call on the day? And who will win the battle between the sticks - will it be Martin Dubravka who has taken the Magpies to the final, or will usual No.1 Nick Pope continue, having been recently recalled to Howe’s Premier League starting side? Here’s what it said.
Grok says: "Lewis Hall’s season-ending ankle surgery leaves Tino Livramento as the primary left-back. He started there against West Ham, impressing against Jarrod Bowen—a winger with a style similar to Salah, whom he’ll face on Sunday. Howe singled out Livramento’s performance, noting his synergy with Harvey Barnes on the left. With Matt Targett as a backup option but not preferred, Livramento’s pace and one-on-one defending secure his spot."
Grok says: "Lewis Hall’s season-ending ankle surgery leaves Tino Livramento as the primary left-back. He started there against West Ham, impressing against Jarrod Bowen—a winger with a style similar to Salah, whom he’ll face on Sunday. Howe singled out Livramento’s performance, noting his synergy with Harvey Barnes on the left. With Matt Targett as a backup option but not preferred, Livramento’s pace and one-on-one defending secure his spot."
5. Left-Back: Tino Livramento
Grok says: "Lewis Hall’s season-ending ankle surgery leaves Tino Livramento as the primary left-back. He started there against West Ham, impressing against Jarrod Bowen—a winger with a style similar to Salah, whom he’ll face on Sunday. Howe singled out Livramento’s performance, noting his synergy with Harvey Barnes on the left. With Matt Targett as a backup option but not preferred, Livramento’s pace and one-on-one defending secure his spot." | Getty Images
Grok says: "The midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton has become Howe’s go-to in recent weeks, including the West Ham win. Tonali’s energy and tackling (he won key duels against West Ham) will disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm."
Grok says: "The midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton has become Howe’s go-to in recent weeks, including the West Ham win. Tonali’s energy and tackling (he won key duels against West Ham) will disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm."
6. Centre Midfield: Sandro Tonali
Grok says: "The midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton has become Howe’s go-to in recent weeks, including the West Ham win. Tonali’s energy and tackling (he won key duels against West Ham) will disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm." | Getty Images
Grok says: "Guimarães, the captain, brings composure and passing accuracy—crucial after his standout semi-final displays against Arsenal."
7. Centre Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes
Grok says: "Guimarães, the captain, brings composure and passing accuracy—crucial after his standout semi-final displays against Arsenal." | Zac Goodwin/PA Wire
Grok says: "Joelinton, back from injury, looked sharp against West Ham, offering physicality and versatility. Howe has no reason to deviate from this balanced unit, especially with Sean Longstaff relegated to the bench and Joe Willock as a substitute option."
Grok says: "Joelinton, back from injury, looked sharp against West Ham, offering physicality and versatility. Howe has no reason to deviate from this balanced unit, especially with Sean Longstaff relegated to the bench and Joe Willock as a substitute option."
8. Centre Midfield: Joelinton
Grok says: "Joelinton, back from injury, looked sharp against West Ham, offering physicality and versatility. Howe has no reason to deviate from this balanced unit, especially with Sean Longstaff relegated to the bench and Joe Willock as a substitute option." | Getty Images
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack."
Discover how AI analysis sees Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final team looking, with some big decisions for Eddie Howe to make v Liverpool at Wembley.
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 starting XI Eddie Howe would pick 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.
Will Howe go for Harvey Barnes, or will Joe Willock or Lewis Miley get the call on the day? And who will win the battle between the sticks - will it be Martin Dubravka who has taken the Magpies to the final, or will usual No.1 Nick Pope continue, having been recently recalled to Howe’s Premier League starting side? Here’s what it said.
Jacob Murphy started against West Ham and has been a regular in the absence of suspended Anthony Gordon, who misses the final due to a red card against Brighton. Murphy’s goal in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal and his work rate make him a reliable choice. Valentino Livramento (Tino’s brother) is an alternative, but Murphy’s recent form and experience edge him in.
Jacob Murphy started against West Ham and has been a regular in the absence of suspended Anthony Gordon, who misses the final due to a red card against Brighton. Murphy’s goal in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal and his work rate make him a reliable choice. Valentino Livramento (Tino’s brother) is an alternative, but Murphy’s recent form and experience edge him in.
9. Right Wing: Jacob Murphy
Jacob Murphy started against West Ham and has been a regular in the absence of suspended Anthony Gordon, who misses the final due to a red card against Brighton. Murphy’s goal in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal and his work rate make him a reliable choice. Valentino Livramento (Tino’s brother) is an alternative, but Murphy’s recent form and experience edge him in. | AFP via Getty Images
Harvey Barnes started on the left against West Ham, his first league start in three months, and delivered the assist for Isak’s goal. Howe praised his link-up with Livramento, signaling intent to repeat the combination. With Gordon out and Joelinton preferred in midfield, Barnes edges out Willock, who’s better suited as an impact sub. His directness and finishing could exploit Liverpool’s makeshift right-back, likely Jarell Quansah.
Harvey Barnes started on the left against West Ham, his first league start in three months, and delivered the assist for Isak’s goal. Howe praised his link-up with Livramento, signaling intent to repeat the combination. With Gordon out and Joelinton preferred in midfield, Barnes edges out Willock, who’s better suited as an impact sub. His directness and finishing could exploit Liverpool’s makeshift right-back, likely Jarell Quansah.
10. Left Wing: Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes started on the left against West Ham, his first league start in three months, and delivered the assist for Isak’s goal. Howe praised his link-up with Livramento, signaling intent to repeat the combination. With Gordon out and Joelinton preferred in midfield, Barnes edges out Willock, who’s better suited as an impact sub. His directness and finishing could exploit Liverpool’s makeshift right-back, likely Jarell Quansah. | Getty Images
Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s talisman and a guaranteed starter if fit. After limping off against Brighton, Howe confirmed he was merely fatigued, not injured, and Isak played the full match against West Ham, scoring the winner from a Barnes cross. With 22 goals in 31 appearances this season, he’s the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defense, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s fitness uncertain. Callum Wilson, back from injury, is a bench option but won’t displace Isak.
Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s talisman and a guaranteed starter if fit. After limping off against Brighton, Howe confirmed he was merely fatigued, not injured, and Isak played the full match against West Ham, scoring the winner from a Barnes cross. With 22 goals in 31 appearances this season, he’s the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defense, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s fitness uncertain. Callum Wilson, back from injury, is a bench option but won’t displace Isak.
11. Striker: Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s talisman and a guaranteed starter if fit. After limping off against Brighton, Howe confirmed he was merely fatigued, not injured, and Isak played the full match against West Ham, scoring the winner from a Barnes cross. With 22 goals in 31 appearances this season, he’s the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defense, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s fitness uncertain. Callum Wilson, back from injury, is a bench option but won’t displace Isak. | AFP via Getty Images