Liverpool and Newcastle United are set to clash at Wembley Stadium for the Carabao Cup final on March 16, 2025, marking one of the season's most eagerly anticipated matches. Liverpool will aim to defend their title, having won the competition last season, and secure their record 11th victory. Meanwhile, Newcastle is desperate for silverware, hoping to end their 70-year domestic trophy drought.
The match finds Liverpool on the back foot, having suffered a tough defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the Champions League last-16, where they lost on penalties. This disappointment creates pressure on head coach Arne Slot, who has the opportunity to make his mark by securing his first piece of silverware as Liverpool's manager. "This final could be the perfect way to lift our players after our Champions League exit," Slot stated, indicating the significance of redemption through this match.
On the other hand, Newcastle, led by manager Eddie Howe, will look to avenge their previous final loss against Manchester United two years ago. The Magpies have made it to the final once again after edging out Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate over two semi-final legs. The stakes are high, not just for the team but also for their devoted fans, who have not seen major domestic success since 1955 when they last lifted the FA Cup.
A focus of the final will undoubtedly be on standout players. Former Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk remarked on the fierce competition expected, saying, "We have to feel the disappointment but from [now] it is about recovery. Be ready for a good one. If we bring this intensity at Wembley with our fans, then I am positive."
Newcastle’s key striker, Alexander Isak, will also play a pivotal role. Currently boasting 22 goals for the season, Isak has stated his respect for Van Dijk, asserting, "I wouldn’t say I fear anyone, that's a strong word. I have a lot of respect for Van Dijk and their whole defence... It's Newcastle against Liverpool. It's a team sport." This sets the stage for what is anticipated to be one of the most exciting duels of the match.
Both teams will head to the match missing key players. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out for Liverpool, having sustained an injury during the match against PSG. Similarly, Newcastle's Anthony Gordon is suspended following his red card against Brighton, alongside Lewis Hall, who will miss the rest of the season due to injury. Each team's susceptibility to injuries raises the importance of tactical acumen, presenting challenges particularly on the left flank for Newcastle, previously considered secure.
Historically, this matchup has been heavily weighted in favor of Liverpool, who have won seven of their last eight encounters against Newcastle since Howe's tenure began. The last domestic trophy Newcastle lifted was the FA Cup back in 1955, and since then they have finished as runners-up on five occasions, creating enduring heartbreak for the fans.
Slot's first season with Liverpool has been characterized by dominance domestically, which raises expectations for his team to deliver under pressure. The Dutch manager has said, "We finished third last season and the season before, but we now want to finish above the other two," indicating his commitment to winning trophies. The Carabao Cup is not only significant for Liverpool, who are currently leaders of the Premier League with a comfortable lead, but it also holds great emotional weight for Newcastle as they try to reclaim their past glory.
With regard to team form, both clubs enter the final after mixed results. Liverpool's recent performance against PSG has raised questions about their mental fortitude. Still, the experience of being the defending champions could prove decisive. Alan Shearer, the Newcastle legend, recently predicted on his social media, "I’m predicting Newcastle to win 2-1, in normal time," showcasing the high hopes among fans for this final.
Pre-match discussions are rife with predictions and excitement, with pundits voicing confidence both ways. Liverpool's impressive record and Liverpool's history as the competition's most decorated team bolster their supporters' optimism. On the flip side, Newcastle now possesses the experience and resilience needed to face the pressures of cup finals, having learned from their last encounter and the subsequent progression they have shown under Howe’s guidance.
All in all, the Carabao Cup final promises to be captivating for fans and neutrals alike. Liverpool’s quest for redemption versus Newcastle’s ambition to lift the trophy echoes not just through the last match of the league but throughout the storied histories of both clubs. With anticipation building, both teams prepare to write their latest chapter at Wembley today.