England Carabao Cup Final: Newcastle vs Liverpool

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Newcastle United vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Kelleher, Qansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Luis Diaz

Newcastle United:
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes

Few words about the competition. The Carabao Cup, also known as the League Cup, is first held in 1960/61 season. It is one of the three top-tier domestic football competitions in England, alongside the Premier League and FA Cup. It concludes in February or March, long before the other two, which end in May. It was introduced by the league as a response to the increasing popularity of European football. The tournament is played over seven rounds, with single-leg ties throughout, except for the semi-finals. The final is held at Wembley Stadium which is the only tie in the competition played at a neutral venue and on a weekend (Sunday). Aston Villa were the inaugural winners in 1961, defeating Rotherham United 3:2 in the final over two legs. The current holders are Liverpool, who are also the most successful team in the competition, lifting the trophy 10 times.

Now about the match. This season was almost perfect for Liverpool, until Tuesday, when they suffered a painful elimination from the Champions League. The Reds had good result from the first match played in Paris, but lost at Anfield. The atmosphere in the squad is poor, while the players confidence is questionable. The crucial thing is how quickly the players and coaching staff could recover. Even the fans need some time to swallow the last defeat. To be worse, Slot has huge problems in defense. Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a foot injury against PSG and that means 21-year-old Jarell Quansah will likely have to fill in on the right. He is a central defender and his relative inexperience as right-back makes him a potential target. Slot has no alternative as Conor Breadly and Joe Gomez remain sidelined.

Newcastle United are looking for their first piece of silverware after long time. The Magpies managed to eliminate AFC Wimbledon, Chelsea, Brentford and Arsenal in the previous phase of the competition. Newcastle are also fighting for Top-4 finish in the Premier League in order to secure a Champions League spot. The new Saudi owners have invested big money and they expect to see their club in the European top-tier club competition. Manager Eddie Howe is well aware his side need to improve in the finish of the season. The Magpies are in mixed form, they have just one victory in the last three matches across all competitions. But Howe has some additional issues as one of the key players Anthony Gordon is suspended, while Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are out injured.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool Prediction:

Liverpool are favorites in this final. The Reds are leaders on the table and they are very close to secure the title. But this final is coming at the worst possible moment. The Reds suffered a painful elimination from the Champions League after losing to PSG on Tuesday. The atmosphere in the squad is far from ideal, while the players confidence is questionable.. Furthermore, Slot has big defensive problems. Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a foot injury against PSG, while Conor Breadly is already sidelined. That means Slot has no right-back available. I am sure Howe will identify this position as Liverpool weakest point. I think Newcastle could take advantage from Liverpool issues.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool Pick: Newcastle United to lift the trophy @ 3.20 with Everygame