Preview: Liverpool Target First Trophy Under Arne Slot

Reds Aim to Bounce Back from European Exit

Liverpool and Newcastle Utd go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, with both clubs seeking to etch their name into the history books. For Liverpool, the match presents a significant opportunity to respond to their recent Champions League disappointment.

Arne Slot’s side fell to Paris Saint-Germain in a dramatic penalty shootout at Anfield on Tuesday night, marking the first major setback of his tenure. Lifting the first domestic silverware of the season would be a powerful statement from the Dutchman, reaffirming Liverpool’s credentials as the Premier League leaders.

Liverpool boast an illustrious record in this competition, having claimed the trophy a record 10 times. It was also the final piece of silverware won under Jurgen Klopp, who guided a heavily rotated and injury-hit side to victory against Chelsea last year. Now, Slot has the opportunity to cement his own legacy by securing an 11th League Cup for the club.

Newcastle’s Second Shot at Wembley Glory

Newcastle Utd, meanwhile, arrive in the capital with unfinished business. Eddie Howe’s men were beaten at this stage last year by Manchester United and will be desperate to avoid a repeat performance.

The Magpies have demonstrated resilience on their route to Wembley, overcoming Arsenal in both legs of the semi-final. They have grown accustomed to high-stakes encounters, yet their failure to rise to the occasion in 2023 remains fresh in the memory.

With their last major domestic trophy dating back to 1955, Newcastle are under pressure to deliver. Despite progress in recent years, success on this stage remains elusive. Beating Liverpool, however, would be a defining moment for the club’s evolution under Howe.

Key Team News Ahead of the Final

Both teams enter the contest with significant selection concerns, particularly in defence.

Liverpool will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suffered an injury in the PSG defeat. Ibrahima Konate was also withdrawn during that game, but Slot has confirmed his absence was due to fatigue, and he is expected to be available. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are also likely to miss out, meaning Jarell Quansah could be handed a starting role at right-back. Tyler Morton remains sidelined.

Newcastle are missing key players as well. Anthony Gordon is suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton in the FA Cup, while Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the season with an ankle injury. The defensive duo of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are also unavailable, further limiting Howe’s options.

Liverpool vs Newcastle Prediction

Liverpool’s triumph in last season’s final came in even more challenging circumstances, with injuries decimating Klopp’s squad. While Slot has yet to prove himself on this stage, the team’s consistency throughout the season suggests they are well-equipped for another Wembley success.

Newcastle, for all their progress, have struggled to deliver in their biggest moments. Their semi-final victories over Arsenal will provide encouragement, but injuries and suspensions have disrupted their preferred system.

With Liverpool’s experience in high-pressure games, they are expected to have the edge.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle Utd

Head-to-Head History and Results

Liverpool FC wins: 94
Draws: 45
Newcastle Utd wins: 50

Word count: 543

Topics

Slot aims for first trophy - as Magpies try to end drought

Liverpool are aiming for a first trophy under Arne Slot while Newcastle United have a chance to win a first trophy in 56 years in Sunday's Carabao Cup final.
BBC News - 10h
Liverpool 2024-25 season: Premier League and cup schedule, results, stats

Arne Slot's first season at Liverpool is already an unqualified success. Now it's a question of whether the Reds can claim multiple trophies in their first season after the exit of Jurgen Klopp.
Yahoo Sports - 11h
Only Liverpool’s best will be enough to beat ‘complete’ PSG, warns Arne Slot

Head coach ready for second-leg showdown at Anfield Luis Enrique says winners of last-16 tie will make final Arne Slot believes Liverpool must produce their best performance of the season to ...
The Guardian - 4d
Salah: Suspended Slot angry at first-half showing

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has revealed head coach Arne Slot was frustrated with his team's lacklustre first-half display against Southampton, with the Premier League leaders coming from ...
ESPN - 5d
Slot: PSG 'most complete' team Liverpool faced

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has said his team will need to deliver their best performance of the season against Paris Saint-Germain if they are to book their place in the quarterfinals of the ...
ESPN - 3d
Slot sanguine after Liverpool exit in ‘best game of football I’ve ever been involved in’

PSG beat Liverpool on penalties in Champions League Slot praises ‘teams of an incredible level and intensity’ Arne Slot described Liverpool’s Champions League exit as the finest game of his ...
The Guardian - 3d
Liverpool's No. 1 conundrum: Alisson or Kelleher to make way for Mamardashvili?

It's a good problem to have, but Arne Slot must decide which goalkeeper will be Liverpool's No. 1 next season.
ESPN - 3d
Howe: 'Our destiny is in our own hands'

The Magpies head to London this weekend looking to end their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy when they take on Arne Slot's Reds under the famous arch.And after the timely confidence boost ...
Yahoo Sports - 15h
Best game I've ever been involved in - Slot on PSG defeat

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says it's a "shock" his side are out of the Champions League following their defeat against PSG which he describes as the "best game" he's ever been involved in.
BBC News - 3d