Newcastle United will hope for a much better performance in the Carabao Cup final compared to their 2023 defeat.
Eddie Howe has changed Newcastle’s approach to the 2025 Carabao Cup final after feeling that his players were “exhausted” before even kicking a ball two years ago.
There was a feeling among Newcastle fans two years ago that they were simply happy to be there after an extended period of no success under Mike Ashley. This time around, Newcastle are turning up to win it.
Howe kept his promise to Newcastle fans after the 2023 final that he would do whatever possible to return to Wembley.
Several Newcastle players in the starting XI for the 2023 Carabao Cup final will be back in action on Sunday afternoon hoping to do what they failed to two years ago.
Photo by Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images
Kieran Trippier was Newcastle’s ‘biggest threat’ in 2023 final
Newcastle failed to really turn up against Manchester United two years ago, with Howe’s side never really getting into a rhythm at Wembley.
On the day, Newcastle had 61% possession but only managed two shots on target.
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A front three of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson didn’t offer much up front, and One Football’s player ratings from the match had Kieran Trippier as “Newcastle’s biggest threat”.
Trippier is expected to start Sunday’s final at right-back, and Howe will hope that his experience in big games and at Wembley can help to produce a win.
Tino Livramento has been Newcastle’s starting right-back this season, but with Lewis Hall out injured for the remainder of the season, he will likely shift to the left and Trippier will play on the right.
Trippier will now have a huge role to play in defence, and he will be very glad that he didn’t leave the club just a few months ago.
Kieran Trippier nearly left Newcastle United in January
In the recent January window, Trippier was linked with Galatasaray after coming close to joining the Turkish side over the summer.
Geordie Boot Boys were told that Trippier was interested in the move and an offer eventually arrived worth around £2.5million.
READ MORE: Newcastle United fans will love what Kieran Trippier did to his teammates after disappointing Liverpool loss
Howe didn’t want Trippier to leave, and eventually Galatasaray’s offer was rejected and the England international stayed put at St James’ Park.
Trippier wanted to stay for the cup final, and now he is set to start at Wembley. If Newcastle are able to end their 70-year wait and lift the trophy, it would be the perfect way for him to sign off on his Newcastle career.