The first major piece of silverware of this English football season is up for grabs at Wembley today, when defending champions Liverpool take on Newcastle United in the 65th edition of the Carabao Cup final.
The big question will be how the Merseysiders will respond after their penalty shootout exit in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, but considering they are yet to lose back-to-back games this term, their powers of recovery are likely to be on full display.
Liverpool had a youthful line-up dubbed as ‘Klopp’s kids’ to thank for their record-extending tenth Carabao Cup final win last year, and now it’s Arne Slot’s turn to try and bring home the trophy that rounded off his predecessor’s legacy at the club. Securing silverware in his first season would be a great way to endear himself to the Liverpool faithful, but an injury-hit backline means they will again have to deal with adversity here.
The Reds arguably couldn’t have asked for a better opponent historically, since they have beaten Newcastle in seven of the last eight H2Hs (D1), most recently just last month in a 2-0 victory at Anfield. The Toon Army will be out in their numbers for this one though, hoping to watch their side lift what would be their first major domestic trophy since 1955.
The Magpies have already tasted victory in London this week after a 1-0 triumph over West Ham United on Monday night, adding to the confidence garnered from thumping Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate over their two-legged semi-final to get here. Anthony Gordon scored in both of those matches against the Gunners, meaning that his suspension for this final, along with the injury to standout defender Lewis Hall will be significant blows to Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe.
