Liverpool face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, and, this game is very difficult to call.
Of course, Liverpool are favourites heading into this game, they’re top of the Premier League right now and the title race is over in the eyes of some.
However, Liverpool have had something of a wobble recently.
PSG knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League this week, while the Reds did trail for a long time against Southampton.
Mohamed Salah is out of form, and Newcastle may well fancy their chances on Sunday.
Writing in his column for SportsKeeda, Paul Merson has been previewing this game, and he’s predicted the result of this match.
Paul Merson predicts Carabao Cup final
Merson shared his verdict on how the cup final will go.
The pundit thinks that this will be a very close game, and he thinks that Liverpool will end up lifting the trophy on Sunday, backing the Reds to win on penalties.
“I’m someone who always gives teams a chance in games, but I didn’t give that to Newcastle in this fixture a few weeks ago! Now I think they have a chance though. I think this game will end 1-1 and go to penalties. If I had to pick a side to win on penalties, I’d choose Liverpool. I’m only saying that because I know Liverpool will turn up for this game and I can’t say the same for Newcastle!” Merson wrote.
“Liverpool have been in this situation before and they know their way around finals. Newcastle, on the other hand, will have a few nerves to handle if the game goes deep like I expect it to. I guess it all comes down to whether Newcastle can turn up for this clash knowing and believing they’ve got every chance of beating Liverpool.”
Newcastle’s penalty record compared to Liverpool’s
Merson tipped Newcastle to win on penalties just days after the Reds were knocked out of the Champions League via spot kicks
Indeed, Liverpool lost on penalties in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but their recent record in these situations has been very good.
Liverpool have plenty of experience in penalty shootouts, taking part in seven over the past five years.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have taken part in six shootouts since 2020, and their record is also strong.
| Liverpool record since 2020 | Newcastle record since 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty shootouts | 6 | |
| 4 | Wins | 4 |
| 3 | Losses | 2 |
In terms of overall history though, Liverpool do have the better penalty shootout record than. Newcastle.
| Liverpool overall record | Newcastle record | |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty shootouts | 14 | |
| 18 | Wins | 5 |
| 9 | Losses | 9 |
Penalties are often a lottery, but, in their history, Liverpool have proven to be capable in these situations, while Newcastle have often struggled.
