On March 16, 2025, football fans worldwide will be focusing their eyes on Wembley Stadium, where Liverpool and Newcastle United will face off for the Carabao Cup final. Scheduled to kick off at 4:30 p.m. GMT, this match not only serves as the first major trophy opportunity of the season but also carries significant emotional weight for both clubs.
Newcastle United, who last claimed a major domestic trophy over 70 years ago, are driven by the hope of finally ending their long-standing drought. The Magpies haven’t lifted silverware since 1955 and came close two years ago when they lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester United. Manager Eddie Howe’s side heads to Wembley with renewed determination, particularly following their 1-0 Premier League victory against West Ham just days prior to the final.
On the other side, Liverpool will be coming off the back of their own disappointment after being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds, who are the reigning holders of the Carabao Cup after winning it for the tenth time last season, aim to secure early silverware under their new manager Arne Slot. It would mark Slot’s first major trophy at the club and bring added momentum as they gear up for the remainder of the Premier League season.
The matchup features some of the league’s most impactful players. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, whose future remains uncertain with his contract expiring soon, will be looked upon to deliver yet again. Meanwhile, Newcastle will rely heavily on their standout forward Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old Swede has scored three goals against Liverpool since joining the club and is key to their hopes on this high-stakes occasion.
For fans hoping to catch the action live, there are several viewing options available. The match will be streamed live for free on ITVX in the UK, enhancing accessibility for local supporters. Those located outside the UK can leverage VPN services such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN to bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy the match. ExpressVPN offers servers across 105 countries and allows users to secure a connection to watch the game seamlessly.
Those tuning in from the United States can catch the action on Paramount Plus. The service allows various subscription options, starting at $8 per month for the Essential tier.
Despite entering the final under pressure, having won only two of their last six matches, Newcastle will hope to leverage their resilient spirit and past experiences. The team will have to deal without Anthony Gordon, who faces suspension after being sent off during their recent match. Harvey Barnes and the fit-again Isak will be pivotal as they tackle Liverpool's historically tough defense.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has its share of injury concerns. Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is out with the ankle injury he sustained during the recent Champions League defeat. His absence is being compounded by the unavailability of Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, meaning Slot may start Jarell Quansah instead. Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, is intent on leading his team to victory, channeling disappointment from their European exit to fuel their performance at Wembley. "We have to feel the disappointment but from [now] it is about recovery," he noted, bringing focus back to the Carabao Cup final.
Preparation for the match also extends beyond player fitness; Liverpool and Newcastle have contrasting recent performances, with the Reds’ recent form being more stable compared to Newcastle's ups and downs. Previous encounters have seen Liverpool dominate, winning seven of their last eight meetings since Howe took charge, putting the Magpies on the edge as they seek vengeance on the big stage.
The final isn’t just about breaking records or ending droughts; it encapsulates the overarching narratives of hope and resilience for both clubs. Fans will be expecting both teams to bring their A-game, making for what promises to be an electric final. Whether through historical perspectives or current player form, there is no shortage of storylines as the day draws nearer.
To wrap up the day’s festivities, fans around the globe will be eager to see if Liverpool can continue their dominance or if Newcastle finally gets to celebrate lifting the trophy they have long yearned for. With all the drama and excitement of British football at play, the Carabao Cup final stands as one of the season’s most anticipated clashes.