Liverpool vs Newcastle United
The Carabao Cup final is upon us, and Wembley Stadium will witness a battle between Liverpool and Newcastle United. As the Reds seek back-to-back titles, the Magpies aim to end their long domestic trophy drought. With history, form, and individual brilliance at play, this clash promises to be a spectacle.
Liverpool’s Legacy in the Carabao Cup
Liverpool’s dominance in the League Cup is unparalleled. This will be their 15th final appearance, five more than any other club. They already hold the record for the most wins, having lifted the trophy ten times. If they emerge victorious on Sunday, they will inch closer to equaling Manchester United’s record of 19 domestic English cup trophies.
Interestingly, Liverpool’s last four League Cup final victories have all required extra time or penalties. Only twice have they won in normal time—against Bolton Wanderers in 1995 and Manchester United in 2003.
Newcastle’s Pursuit of Silverware
Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United’s wait for a major domestic trophy dates back to the 1955 FA Cup. Their journey in the League Cup has been a tale of near misses, with defeats in the 1976 and 2023 finals. Despite this, they have displayed resilience in recent years, steadily building a competitive squad.
The Magpies have been defensively solid in this competition, conceding more than one goal in only one of their last 22 Carabao Cup fixtures. Their clean sheet record of 13 in that span shows they are a tough side to break down.
Liverpool’s Wembley Form
Since their 4-1 Premier League loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in October 2017, Liverpool have remained unbeaten in their last seven games at the iconic stadium. Their ability to rise to the occasion under the arch suggests they will approach this final with confidence.
Arne Slot’s Quest for Glory
Arne Slot is aiming to make history by winning the Carabao Cup in his first season as Liverpool’s manager. If he succeeds, he will become the first Reds boss since Joe Fagan in 1984 to win the League Cup in his debut season.
Slot has an interesting record in finals—his previous three all ended in 1-0 scorelines while managing Feyenoord. If trends hold, Liverpool could be in for a closely contested match against Newcastle.
Star Performers: Who to Watch
Cody Gakpo – The Carabao Cup King
Gakpo has been in scintillating form in this competition, scoring nine goals in 11 appearances since his debut in September 2023. He leads the 2024-25 campaign with five goals—Liverpool’s best tally in a single League Cup season since Robbie Fowler’s six in 2000-01.
Mohamed Salah – Newcastle’s Nightmare
Salah has tormented Newcastle throughout his Liverpool career, contributing to 18 goals (10 goals, 8 assists) in 16 appearances against them. Only against Manchester United (22) and Manchester City (21) has he been involved in more.
Salah has been responsible for 11 of Liverpool’s last 15 goals against Newcastle, either scoring or assisting. If he starts, the Magpies’ defense will have a tough task containing him.
Diogo Jota – The Big Game Player
Jota has delivered on the big stage, scoring five goals in his last five Carabao Cup starts. His movement and finishing could prove crucial for Liverpool’s attack.
Virgil van Dijk – The Cup Final Leader
The Dutch defender has been Liverpool’s standout performer in cup finals, earning the Player of the Match award in the 2022 and 2024 Carabao Cup finals. A third win would make him the first player ever to achieve this feat in the competition.
Caoimhin Kelleher – The Penalty Shootout Specialist
Liverpool’s goalkeeper has an unmatched penalty record, saving more spot-kicks than any other Reds’ keeper in history. He has won all four of his shootouts, making him a potential hero if the match goes the distance.
Newcastle’s Key Players
- Alexander Isak: Has contributed four goals in five games against Liverpool (3 goals, 1 assist). He will be a major threat up front.
- Newcastle’s Defense: The Magpies have kept 13 clean sheets in their last 22 Carabao Cup matches, proving their defensive solidity.
- The Core Squad: Eleven players from last season’s final loss to Manchester United remain, giving Newcastle a sense of continuity and experience.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Liverpool hold a dominant record over Newcastle, remaining unbeaten in their last 17 meetings since a 2-0 defeat in December 2015. Only against Norwich City (19) have the Reds enjoyed a longer unbeaten streak.
Newcastle, however, have been in good attacking form, failing to score in only two of their last 22 matches. If they can find a way past Liverpool’s defense, they might just pull off an upset.
Tactical Battles to Watch
Liverpool’s Pressing vs. Newcastle’s Defense
Liverpool’s high-intensity pressing under Arne Slot will test Newcastle’s ability to play out from the back. The Magpies have a disciplined defensive setup, but their ability to withstand sustained pressure will be key.
Midfield Control: Mac Allister vs. Newcastle’s Engine Room
Alexis Mac Allister has played in all five of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup matches this season, dictating tempo and transitioning play. Newcastle’s midfield will have to counteract his influence to control proceedings.
Set-Piece Threats
Van Dijk’s aerial dominance and Newcastle’s solid defending will make set-pieces a crucial battleground. Both teams have match-winners from dead-ball situations, adding another layer of intrigue.
Prediction: Who Will Lift the Trophy?
Liverpool’s experience, history, and recent dominance over Newcastle make them favorites. However, Newcastle’s defensive resilience and attacking potential mean they won’t be pushovers. If Liverpool play at their best, they should secure their 11th League Cup triumph. However, if Newcastle stay disciplined and take their chances, they could end their 70-year domestic trophy drought.
Final Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United (AET)
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Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com