Liverpool vs Newcastle United Carabao Cup Final: Odds, Lineups, Predictions, Preview

Explore our detailed preview for Liverpool vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup Final. Key stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 16:30 GMT match.

• Fixture: Liverpool vs Newcastle
• Date: Sunday, 16 March 2025
• Kick-off: 4:30 PM GMT
• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
  

The stage is set for a thrilling Carabao Cup final as Liverpool and Newcastle United go head-to-head at Wembley on Sunday, March 16, 2025. With silverware on the line, both teams will be desperate to make their mark in what promises to be an intense showdown under the famous arch.

The 2025 Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle United promises goals, drama, and defining individual performances. With both sides boasting attacking firepower but facing defensive issues, this could be an open, high-scoring contest.

Match Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle

Liverpool’s strength in attack should be enough to secure their 11th Carabao Cup title and the first trophy of the Arne Slot era.

Liverpool, under new boss Arne Slot, have had an impressive domestic season, but their recent Champions League exit to PSG on penalties was a significant setback. The Dutchman will look to rally his squad and claim his first major honour as Liverpool manager.

The Reds have a rich history in this competition, holding a record 10 League Cup titles, including last year’s dramatic extra-time win over Chelsea. Now, with fresh leadership, they aim to extend that record and defend their crown.

Liverpool’s defensive frailties could pose problems. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a major doubt after his knock against PSG, while Ibrahima Konaté was substituted in the same game due to fatigue. With Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez also sidelined, Jarell Quansah is likely to start at right-back.

However, their attacking firepower remains formidable. Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz are all capable of punishing Newcastle’s makeshift defence, while Alexis Mac Allister’s midfield creativity will be crucial.

• Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian remains Liverpool’s most reliable goal threat. He thrives in finals, has a proven big-game mentality, and with Newcastle’s defensive absences, he could exploit space on the right flank. Prediction: 1 goal, 1 assist
• Darwin Núñez – A physical presence who will cause problems for Newcastle’s weakened backline. If given service, he could capitalise on defensive lapses and punish set-piece vulnerabilities Prediction: 1 goal
• Alexis Mac Allister – The midfield playmaker has been in excellent form, dictating tempo and creating chances. With Newcastle potentially playing on the counter, he could control possession and find key passes in transition. Prediction: 1 assist
• Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool’s long-range specialist is a threat from outside the box and set-pieces. If Newcastle sit deep, he could test Nick Pope from distance. Prediction: 1 goal or assist
  

For Newcastle, this final represents a chance to rewrite history. Last year, they fell short in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United. Since then, Eddie Howe’s side has developed a greater resilience, proven by their impressive 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal in the semi-finals.

Newcastle haven’t won a major domestic trophy since 1955, and their passionate fanbase will be dreaming of ending the drought. However, they head into this final with significant injury and suspension concerns.

The Magpies will be without Anthony Gordon, who is suspended following his red card against Brighton. Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles are also ruled out, forcing a defensive reshuffle.

Their attacking hopes will rest on Alexander Isak, who has been in lethal form with 19 Premier League goals this season. Alongside him, the midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali must dictate play and neutralise Liverpool’s attacking transitions.

Alisson; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Szoboszlai, Diaz

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Willock

Liverpool will dominate possession, looking to stretch Newcastle’s injury-hit defence with quick transitions and high pressing. Newcastle, meanwhile, will sit deep and look to hit on the counter, using Isak’s pace and physicality.

Newcastle’s defensive crisis could prove decisive. If Liverpool’s attack fires as expected, they should have too much firepower for Howe’s men to contain.

Liverpool will look to control possession and stretch Newcastle’s defence, focusing on their usual high-pressing game. If Newcastle opts for a low block and counter-attacking approach, they will rely on Isak’s pace and movement to exploit Liverpool’s defensive reshuffle.

The absence of Gordon and Botman significantly weakens Newcastle’s structure, while Liverpool’s experience in high-pressure matches should be a decisive factor.

Liverpool’s squad depth, attacking firepower, and experience in major finals gives them the edge. Newcastle will be determined to make this a competitive contest, but their defensive limitations could prove costly.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.