Virgil van Dijk is set to have his hands full as Liverpool prepare to face Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium.
A place in Europe awaits Newcastle United if they win on Sunday, but they have to get a result against the defending Carabao Cup champions and Premier League leaders who have already beaten them this season.
The odds aren’t in Newcastle’s favour, but the last week gives them more hope than ever. Newcastle beat West Ham United on Monday and reported back a clean bill of health ahead of the final. Eddie Howe watched on from afar as Liverpool were taken to penalties by PSG in the Champions League.
Arne Slot confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold is injured, meaning he will miss the final. The Reds are without an out-and-out centre-back for their trip to Wembley. Jarell Quansah is the most likely suitor to replace Alexander-Arnold.
Toon boss Eddie Howe rallied the Newcastle fans together for the final, saying he and his players ‘need’ them to be in full voice at Wembley.
Liverpool are highly likely to start Virgil van Dijk in the final, he is set for a duel of the ages with star striker Alexander Isak. With the Magpies looking to win their first trophy since 1969, we look back at what van Dijk said about Isak in February.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk on battle Alexander Isak
Alan Shearer will be at the final on Sunday having rejected several work opportunities to do so. He’ll be joined by Amanda Staveley in the stands. It was recently revealed that Staveley was gifted cup final tickets by Newcastle, with Jamie Reuben showing a fantastic gesture of goodwill.
Shearer can’t wait for Isak vs van Dijk, claiming it will be a ‘great battle’. The Swede has already gotten the better of van Dijk this season, scoring in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Liverpool at St James’ Park.
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So far this season, Isak has scored a remarkable 22 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League which can only be bettered by Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.
Isak didn’t feature in Newcastle’s loss to Liverpool at the end of February after struggling with a groin problem, but that didn’t stop van Dijk from talking about Isak in his post-match interview.
“A final is always different and we’re very wary of the threat they possess,” he told the Athletic on February 26.
“We know Isak is definitely the most in-form striker at the moment in world football, so you know when he’s back that will give them a boost.”
Alexander Isak’s record vs Virgil van Dijk as Carabao Cup final looms
Of all the goals Isak has scored this season, a goal in the final would undoubtedly be the most important one he bags.
While Newcastle’s overall record against Liverpool isn’t anywhere near what they’d like it to be, Isak’s record against van Dijk is brilliant.
In the five games the Swede has played against Liverpool, he has scored three times. It could have been even more had it not been for an agonisingly close offside call on Isak’s debut.
van Dijk is well aware of how dangerous Isak can be, the Dutchman received a red card against Newcastle at St James’ Park for a late foul on Isak. Liverpool went on to win the game but, van Dijk received a hefty fine for getting in the face of referee John Brookes, who will referee Sunday’s final.