Liverpool vs Newcastle EFL Cup Preview

• Liverpool to win
• Salah to score

The first major trophy of the English football season will be decided this Sunday at Wembley, as Liverpool take on Newcastle United in the 65th Carabao Cup final.

Liverpool head into this showdown looking to defend their title, having won the competition for a record 10th time last season.

However, they will need to bounce back quickly after their UEFA Champions League exit on penalties in midweek. Fortunately, the Reds have yet to lose back-to-back matches this season, meaning they will be determined to show resilience at Wembley.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are aiming to end their 69-year wait for a major domestic trophy, having last lifted the FA Cup in 1955. Eddie Howe’s side thrashed Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals to reach Wembley, but injuries and suspensions threaten to derail their hopes of silverware.

Will Liverpool’s cup final pedigree prove too much, or can Newcastle finally break their trophy drought? Here’s a full preview of the Carabao Cup final.

Liverpool’s Chance to Secure Early Silverware

Liverpool’s title defence in this competition has been impressive, and winning silverware would be the perfect first major achievement for Arne Slot in his debut season at the club.

The Reds’ Carabao Cup final triumph last year was fuelled by a youthful squad, dubbed “Klopp’s Kids,” and they may need to rely on similar resilience here due to defensive injuries.

While their Champions League exit in midweek was a setback, Liverpool have shown strong recovery powers, never losing consecutive games this season.

They have dominated Newcastle in recent years, winning seven of the last eight head-to-heads (D1), including a 2-0 victory last month at Anfield. Given their strong record at Wembley and proven ability in big matches, Liverpool will enter this final as favourites.

Newcastle’s Quest for a Historic Trophy

Newcastle United’s long, painful wait for a major domestic trophy could finally come to an end if they can upset the odds at Wembley.

Their confidence is high, having secured a 1-0 victory over West Ham on Monday, while their dominant semi-final performance against Arsenal (4-0 aggregate win) proved they can thrive in big games.

However, their injury and suspension woes could be a major obstacle. Anthony Gordon, one of their most in-form attackers, is suspended, while key defender Lewis Hall is injured, weakening their defensive stability.

Despite these setbacks, Newcastle’s hunger for silverware will be evident, and with a strong travelling fanbase at Wembley, they will believe they can pull off a shock.

Head-to-Head Record: Liverpool’s Recent Dominance

• Liverpool’s record vs Newcastle (last eight meetings): W7, D1
• Most recent meeting: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle (January 2025)
• Newcastle’s last major domestic trophy: 1955 FA Cup
• Liverpool’s Carabao Cup wins: Record 10 titles

Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, and given their experience in finals, they hold a clear psychological advantage over Newcastle.

Key Battle: Mohamed Salah vs Alexander Isak

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah has been Liverpool’s talisman in recent years, and his record against Newcastle is phenomenal.

He has been involved in 11 goals in his last six matches against them (G4, A7), making him the key attacking threat in this final. If he is at his best, Newcastle’s defence could be in serious trouble.

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Isak has been Newcastle’s go-to striker, netting 22 goals this season. Interestingly, 16 of those have come before half-time, including one against Liverpool earlier in the season.

If Newcastle are to have a chance, they will need Isak to produce a clinical display and take any early chances that come his way.

Prediction: Can Newcastle Break Their Wembley Curse?

Newcastle’s determination to end their long trophy drought will be strong, but injuries and suspensions could make their task too difficult.

Liverpool’s experience in cup finals, dominance over Newcastle, and superior squad depth should see them edge a competitive but ultimately one-sided contest.

Predicted Score:  Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle

Liverpool should retain their Carabao Cup title, while Newcastle’s wait for silverware continues.