The day has arrived, word-wide Geordies. Newcastle United face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, aiming to end a 56-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
Eddie Howe’s side reached the final by defeating Arsenal over two legs in the semi-finals, while Liverpool overcame Tottenham Hotspur.
This is Newcastle’s second Carabao Cup final in three seasons, having lost 2-0 to Manchester United in 2023. Liverpool, the reigning champions, are seeking their 11th League Cup title after beating Chelsea in last year’s final.
Newcastle come into the match following a 1-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League, with Bruno Guimaraes scoring the only goal back then. Liverpool, meanwhile, suffered a devasting mid-week blow as they were eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Newcastle will be without Anthony Gordon due to suspension, while Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Lewis Hall remain sidelined. Alexander Isak is fit to start, and Kieran Trippier is expected to return at right-back.
Liverpool won’t have Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley, and Tyler Morton. Jarell Quansah is likely to start at right-back, while Ibrahima Konaté is expected to recover in time. Cody Gakpo is available and could start in attack.
Both sides are seeking their first silverware under their current managers, with Newcastle looking to lift their first domestic cup since the FA Cup in 1955.
It. Is. Time. Bring it on!
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of [_**NUFC.co.uk**_](http://NUFC.co.uk)
_**On this weekend...**_
“I want the players to attack the game and give a good representation of us. The spirit has been really good... we’ve had an increased unity and belief after Monday’s win.
“Preparation has been very good. We are positive. Our destiny is in our own hands. It is about us delivering a great performance.”
_**On his side’s outstanding support and their role at Wembley...**_
“They always are - we know from the last time we got to the final, that feeling of support and unity.
“We are absolutely going to need them. We need every bit of help we can to push ourselves over the line.”
_**On the road to the final...**_
“We’ve had a really tough run in the Carabao Cup. We have gone from round to round.
“There has been a lot less noise and emotion and hopefully that helps us in our performance in our game. We have been very much focused on our game plan. We are very positive.”
_**On his team selection for Sunday...**_
“There are always decisions to make - that will be no different for this game. We don’t have a huge pool of players - we have a very tight squad.
“We are in a good place after the win on Monday night and that was a big thing for us. The players are in a good place. Everyone wants to play in these bigger games.”
_**On Slot’s Liverpool side...**_
“I was entertained looking at their game (against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek). I don’t think the extra-time will affect them—there has been so much time between that and Sunday.
“They are so strong, but we always believe we have the players who can make a difference against any team.”
_**On Burn’s first England call-up...**_
“It’s an incredible moment for Dan - there is no one more deserving in my opinion. He’s such an inspiring guy and a talented player.
“It is a great football story. Dan has had to do it the hard way, coming through the leagues. He is the model professional - he is so committed to what he does. His character is so stable and so level. I am so pleased for him on a personal level.”
_**Howay!**_
* **Date**: Sunday, Mar. 16th
* **Kick-off**: 16:30 BST / 12:30 EST
* **Location**: Wembley, London (England)
For all your watching needs, check [**LiveSoccerTV.com**](https://www.livesoccertv.com/).