Liverpool and Newcastle grace the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium this afternoon for the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
The Reds are looking to retain the trophy while the Magpies are desperate to end a 70-year wait for major silverware.
Trent Alexander-Arnold misses the final after sustaining a worrying ankle injury in Tuesday’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Arne Slot is hopeful the dynamic full-back will return before the end of the season.
The Englishman’s absence creates a selection conundrum for Slot, with other recognised right-backs Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez also unavailable.
There is a strong possibility that Caoimhin Kelleher starts in between the sticks ahead of Alisson. The Irish stopper has typically been preferred in cup competitions this term.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also has some decisions to make ahead of the crucial game in the capital.
Merseyside native Anthony Gordon is unable to play in the Wembley showdown due to suspension. The 24-year-old received a three-match ban for violent conduct in the FA Cup tie with Brighton a fortnight ago.
Key defenders Lewis Hall and Sven Botman are also ruled out due to injury issues. The former is out for the season with an ankle injury while the latter is still struggling with knee issues following his anterior cruciate ligament tear last year.
Liverpool vs Newcastle – Match preview and team news
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It was penalty shootout heartbreak for the Reds on Tuesday as they crashed out of the Champions League. PSG levelled the tie on aggregate through Ousmane Dembele, sending the game to extra time and spot kicks. Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones’ failure to convert from 12 yards sealed their fate in Europe’s elite competition.
Under Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp, the Merseyside-based club lifted the Carabao Cup for the 10th time last year. A youthful outfit beat Chelsea courtesy of an 118th minute winner from captain Virgil van Dijk.
