Preview: Liverpool Target First Trophy Under Arne Slot

Reds Aim to Bounce Back from European Exit

Liverpool and Newcastle Utd go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, with both clubs seeking to etch their name into the history books. For Liverpool, the match presents a significant opportunity to respond to their recent Champions League disappointment.

Arne Slot’s side fell to Paris Saint-Germain in a dramatic penalty shootout at Anfield on Tuesday night, marking the first major setback of his tenure. Lifting the first domestic silverware of the season would be a powerful statement from the Dutchman, reaffirming Liverpool’s credentials as the Premier League leaders.

Liverpool boast an illustrious record in this competition, having claimed the trophy a record 10 times. It was also the final piece of silverware won under Jurgen Klopp, who guided a heavily rotated and injury-hit side to victory against Chelsea last year. Now, Slot has the opportunity to cement his own legacy by securing an 11th League Cup for the club.

Newcastle’s Second Shot at Wembley Glory

Newcastle Utd, meanwhile, arrive in the capital with unfinished business. Eddie Howe’s men were beaten at this stage last year by Manchester United and will be desperate to avoid a repeat performance.

The Magpies have demonstrated resilience on their route to Wembley, overcoming Arsenal in both legs of the semi-final. They have grown accustomed to high-stakes encounters, yet their failure to rise to the occasion in 2023 remains fresh in the memory.

With their last major domestic trophy dating back to 1955, Newcastle are under pressure to deliver. Despite progress in recent years, success on this stage remains elusive. Beating Liverpool, however, would be a defining moment for the club’s evolution under Howe.

Key Team News Ahead of the Final

Both teams enter the contest with significant selection concerns, particularly in defence.

Liverpool will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suffered an injury in the PSG defeat. Ibrahima Konate was also withdrawn during that game, but Slot has confirmed his absence was due to fatigue, and he is expected to be available. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are also likely to miss out, meaning Jarell Quansah could be handed a starting role at right-back. Tyler Morton remains sidelined.

Newcastle are missing key players as well. Anthony Gordon is suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton in the FA Cup, while Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury. The defensive duo of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are also unavailable, further limiting Howe’s options.

Liverpool vs Newcastle Prediction

Liverpool’s triumph in last season’s final came in even more challenging circumstances, with injuries decimating Klopp’s squad. While Slot has yet to prove himself on this stage, the team’s consistency throughout the season suggests they are well-equipped for another Wembley success.

Newcastle, for all their progress, have struggled to deliver in their biggest moments. Their semi-final victories over Arsenal will provide encouragement, but injuries and suspensions have disrupted their preferred system.

With Liverpool’s experience in high-pressure games, they are expected to have the edge.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle Utd

Head-to-Head History and Results

• Liverpool FC wins: 94
• Draws: 45
• Newcastle Utd wins: 50

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