Newcastle to win after extra-time!
Mikey Paine looks ahead to tomorrow's Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley and makes a bold prediction.
Kick-off – 3PM
This is a game that requires zero build up.
Both clubs know what’s at stake in a matchup that has seen countless moments of both joy and despair.
30 years of hurt
Nearly 30 years ago, Stan Collymore broke Newcastle’s collective hearts after a gut-wrenching winner to diminish their Premier League dream in deadly fashion but now springs the opportunity for revenge…
Liverpool team news
“WE’RE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT, TO PLAYING A FINAL AGAIN. BECAUSE YOU CANNOT TAKE A FINAL FOR GRANTED.”
Slot’s soldiers have been under some serious scrutiny this week. After their surprising exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, doubts have been spread concerning Arne Slot’s in-game tactics.
With the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold due to an ankle injury and Ibrahima Konaté coming off with a knock, alarm bells are ringing around Anfield. It is up to the rest of the squad now to step up and prove a point.
Slot looking forward to it
On Friday afternoon, Slot answered questions regarding their upcoming match against Newcastle United and he responded rather enthusiastically saying, “We’re really looking forward to it.”
Despite the devastating news that one of their key role players will be absent, Slot was upbeat and assured fans that his team were ready to rise to the occasion against a team with some serious belief.
Having someone of the pedigree of Mohammed Salah in-form, it is no surprise that Liverpool still hold all the aces. On the back of an already extraordinary season in the Premier League, this game will be the Mount Rushmore of chances for Liverpool to prove to the world that they should be feared in the years to come.
A liverpool ‘double’
After a barrage of games in a matter of weeks, now is the time for Liverpool to showcase their true strength. And with an opportunity for a double in his premier campaign, Slot is already building on the success of his charismatic predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
My predicted starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Alisson (GK), Andrew Robertson (LB), Virgil van Dijk (LCB), Ibrahima Konaté (RCB), Jarell Quansah (RB), Alexis Mac Alistair (LCM), Ryan Gravenberch (RCM), Dominik Szoboszlai (CAM), Luis Diaz (LW), Mohammed Salah (RW), Diogo Jota (ST)
Player to watch - Mohammed Salah
Newcastle United team news
“IT’S BEEN THERE IN THE BACKGROUND FOR A FEW WEEKS NOW FOR US. I’M REALLY PLEASED IT’S HERE.”
The tension amongst the Newcastle fans this week has been a mix of both excitement and nervousness. With the absence of key players such as Sven Botman (knee injury), Anthony Gordon (sent off in a previous encounter with Brighton) and Lewis Hall (ankle injury) it is safe to say that the Geordies are most certainly cautious in their belief that their team can get the job done.
Besides that, it has been all excitement. Eddie Howe said in his post match interview against West Ham that he was “pleased it’s here”, perhaps suggesting a subtle confidence in his players. He certainly looks relaxed about the whole preparation process.
International recognition
With good news just recently being sent out that Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and debutant Dan Burn have all made the England squad, the team morale couldn’t be any higher.
With a wide selection of Newcastle’s players now playing consistently for their respected national teams, the belief that they can achieve this landmark feat is only becoming more of a reality as the final draws closer.
And the fact of the matter is, the confirmation that their star striker Alexander Isak being able to play really sets the scene for a competitive contest, one I’m sure will bring drama and goals.
My predicted starting XI: 4-3-3
Nick Pope (GK), Tino Livramento (LB), Dan Burn (LCB), Fabian Schar (RCB), Kieran Trippier (RB), Joelinton (LCM), Sandro Tonali (CM), Bruno Guimaraes (RCM). Harvey Barnes (LW), Alexander Isak (ST), Jacob Murphy (RW)
Player to watch – Alexander Isak
My prediction
Newcastle cannot afford to be overwhelmed by the occasion. If Liverpool get up a head of steam, it could be a difficult afternoon for the magpies.
Ever the optimistic Newcastle fan, I foresee an early Newcastle goal and an epic match worthy of the history of this fixture.
My prediction: 2-3 Newcastle to win in extra time