Liverpool Football Club is poised to face Newcastle United on March 16, 2025, at 23:30 local time, for the Carabao Cup final, continuing their quest for silverware this season. The highly anticipated match will be broadcast live on Thairath TV, among other platforms.
This matchup follows Liverpool’s precarious exit from the UEFA Champions League, where they lost 1-4 to Paris Saint-Germain during the round of 16. Despite the setback, Liverpool's recent performance has kept their hopes alive for the Carabao Cup, as they advanced to the final after defeating Tottenham Hotspur with an aggregate score of 4-1.
Head Coach Jürgen Klopp will be leading the squad, albeit with some notable absences from key players. Joe Gomez, Connor Bradley, and Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be available for the final against Newcastle. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s lineup is expected to include well-known talents such as Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah.
Newcastle, on the other hand, showcased their determination leading up to the final, with their latest victory being a closely contested 1-0 win over West Ham United, where Bruno Guimaraes scored the decisive goal. The Magpies also entered the final after rutting past Arsenal with an impressive aggregate score of 4-0.
Newcastle’s selections might face their own challenges as well, with four players, including Lewis Hall and Sven Botman, suspended for this significant match. The expected starting eleven for Newcastle includes Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and Alexander Isak.
This encounter continues to build on the historical rivalry as the two sides have met frequently over the past seasons, with Liverpool managing to secure several victories against the Magpies. Notably, Liverpool has triumphed over Newcastle with scores including 2-0 on February 26, 2025, 4-2 on January 1, 2024, and 2-1 on December 27, 2023. Their recent clash on December 4, 2024, ended in a thrilling draw at 3-3.
The Carabao Cup, meanwhile, though considered one of the lesser trophies, is highly revered due to the competition it involves and the memorable moments it generates. This year’s final is expected to be particularly exciting, as both teams strive to claim the cup, and fans prepare for what could be described as the highlight of their football calendar.
Importantly, the Carabao Cup has been known by various names through its sponsorships over the years. From its inception as the Milk Cup, back when the Milk Marketing Board sponsored it, to its current branding with the Thai energy drink company Carabao, the tournament has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in marketing and sponsorship trends.
The last major cup Liverpool won was the League Cup during the 2011-12 season, which ended their six-year trophy drought. Although ecstatic at lifting the trophy, captain Steven Gerrard expressed mixed emotions as he felt for his cousin, Anthony, who missed the decisive penalty for Cardiff City during the shootout.
This history adds depth to the current expectations as Liverpool looks to add another trophy to their cabinet. The blend of competitive spirit and camaraderie will add layers to the atmosphere when the teams take the field.
All eyes will be on Liverpool and Newcastle as they prepare for their intense showdown. The excitement of the Carabao Cup final encapsulates the beauty of football, where every kick matters, and history could be made.