While Liverpool goes in search of its first trophy of the Arne Slot era, Newcastle will be aiming to spoil the party at Wembley and end its long, long wait for a major trophy.
The two sides go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup final, with the Reds looking to complete the first part of a double this season. Slot faces a number of big decisions with his side, with the likes of Alisson Becker, Caoimhin Kelleher, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz all vying to start.
The Liverpool boss will also have to take into account how today’s opponents will line up. It’s just as huge an occasion for Newcastle, if not bigger, with the Magpies looking for a first major trophy in nearly 70 years.
Like his opposite number, Eddie Howe has some big names missing, not least Anthony Gordon. The former Everton star misses out on the chance to face the side he supported as a youngster as he continues his suspension following a red card against Brighton in the FA Cup.
The Magpies are perhaps hit hardest in defense though, with Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles all out injured, leaving Howe with a difficult task to patch things up.
His first big decision comes in goal. Nick Pope seems to have overtaken Martin Dubravka as the No.1 in recent games, so we’re expecting the former Burnley man to get the nod at Wembley today.
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In defense, Tino Livramento should come in to replace Hall at left-back, with Kieran Trippier over on the opposite flank. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn will be aiming to keep Mohamed Salah and co quiet at the heart of the back four.
Moving into midfield, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes would appear to be nailed on for starts, barring any last-minute knocks that could provide a huge blow to Newcastle’s preparations. Joe Willock could be the favorite to start alongside them in the engine room.
With Gordon out, Joelinton may start out on the left, with Jacob Murphy over on the right. There’s no doubt where the main threat will come from though.
Having missed the chance to start at Anfield last month, Alexander Isak should get his opportunity today, and Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will have to be at the top of their games to keep the Sweden international quiet. If Newcastle is to wreck Liverpool’s hopes of a double, Isak will surely be the key at Wembley.
Newcastle predicted line-up vs Liverpool: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Joelinton
