Liverpool and Newcastle United are set to clash at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 16, 2025, as the two teams battle for the Carabao Cup trophy—the first major silverware of the English football season. For Liverpool, the match is not just another fixture; it’s a chance to bounce back from their recent setback, having exited the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain just days earlier. Under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, the Reds seek their first trophy of his tenure, hoping to build on their status as the most decorated club in the tournament's history. A victory would secure their 11th Carabao Cup crown, adding to the two titles they’ve claimed within the last three years.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, enters this final with high hopes. The Magpies are desperate to end their troubling trophy drought, having last lifted major domestic silverware when they won the FA Cup back in 1955. Their passionate supporters, who have endured years of disappointment, are eager for triumph after their heart-wrenching defeat to Manchester United in the 2023 final. With their team's recent revival under manager Eddie Howe, this match presents both opportunity and pressure as they look to grab hold of glory again.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM GMT, and fans can watch the match live on several channels, including Sky Sports Football and ITV. Those tuning in from India can catch the game on FanCode, whereas fans across the United States can stream it via Paramount+. The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams eye their place in history.
Liverpool's road to the final has been characterized by both attacking flair and defensive resilience. Their Carabao Cup run highlights this, with key victories including 5-1 against West Ham and overcoming Brighton and Southampton. Notably, they faced Tottenham Hotspur twice during the semi-finals, triumphing after turning around a 1-0 defeat from the first leg with overwhelming finesse.
Newcastle's route to Wembley has been similarly impressive, albeit tumultuous. They edged out Nottingham Forest on penalties, defeated AFC Wimbledon, and showcased their mettle by eliminating Chelsea and Arsenal, two of the competition’s historical powerhouses. This final is as much about their quest for redemption as it is about winning the trophy; their ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents emphasizes their competitive spirit.
Current form paints two very different pictures for these sides. Liverpool leads the Premier League, sitting atop the table with 70 points, and they have only recently defeated Newcastle 2-0. Their inclusion among the best performers this season reflects their capability to challenge on all fronts. Meanwhile, Newcastle has endured fluctuations, suffering recent defeats against teams like Brighton and Manchester City, raising concerns about their consistency and ability to manage pressure during decisive moments.
Matches like this are determined by the players on the field, and both sides boast exciting talents. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, with 32 goals this season, is primed to shine, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, who bring depth and creativity. On Newcastle’s end, striker Alexander Isak's form has been phenomenal—including 22 goals across all competitions—making him integral to their hopes of upsetting the reigning champions.
Nevertheless, the match will see absences affecting both teams. Liverpool will have to deal without their key defensive stalwart, Trent Alexander-Arnold, sidelined due to injury. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are also out, compelling Slot to potentially utilize Jarell Quansah at right-back. This could make the Reds more vulnerable, leaving them with questions about their game plan going forward.
Newcastle faces similar challenges, as key players are also unavailable. Anthony Gordon, suspended after receiving a red card, significantly impacts Newcastle’s attacking options, removing one of their most dynamic threats. Their squad depth will be tested as they navigate these challenges—vulnerabilities which Liverpool will undoubtedly seek to exploit.
The anticipation surrounding this final is palpable. The emotional weight of the match, paired with the historic quest for silverware, means every moment will count. Fans and players alike are aware of the stakes; for Liverpool, it's another step to maintain their legacy, and for Newcastle, it’s perhaps the chance they've been waiting for to end decades of heartbreak.
Both clubs share the pitch at Wembley not only to compete for silverware but to etch their names onto one of English football's iconic trophies. Will it be Liverpool lifting the cup once more, or will Newcastle finally break free from their barren spell? The hearts and hopes of thousands rest on this monumental occasion, and with the kick-off approaching, all eyes will be on Wembley.