Paul Merson has backed Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle today – although he’s not expecting the Reds to do it the easy way.
Liverpool goes in search of its first piece of silverware in the Arne Slot era at Wembley as it looks to defend the trophy it won against Chelsea last year – the last of Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge.
The Reds will be the favorites to beat Newcastle, who will be looking to end their long, long wait for a major trophy, and will carry a threat despite missing some big names. Gary Neville and Roy Keane don’t fancy the Magpies’ chances though, having backed Liverpool to complete the first part of a potential double this season.
And fellow Sky Sports pundit Merson agrees, although he’s expecting a tough afternoon for Slot’s side. Making his prediction for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal star has backed Liverpool to win in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Wembley.
“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 not only saying that because I know Liverpool will turn up for this game and I can’t say the same for Newcastle!
“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.”
Learn more
That means Merson disagrees with Alan Shearer who, perhaps unsurprisingly, is backing his hometown club to end its long wait for a trophy, having made the bold call of a win for the Magpies in normal time.
“I’m predicting Newcastle to win 2-1, in normal time,” Shearer told Betfair. “How will I celebrate if Newcastle wins? I’m due on a flight Monday morning, but I’m not sure I’ll make it if Newcastle does win. I might have to cancel it until Tuesday morning!
“I’ve got several options for what to do and where to go if we win. If we don’t win, then there’s only one option, I’m going home! If we win, I’ll be happy and emotional, because I’ve always said that I need and want to see this football club win a trophy in my lifetime. I’m 54 years of age, nearly 55, and I haven’t seen us win a trophy.
“I was born in 1970, they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup the year before I was born, so I need to see this club win a trophy at some stage!”
