The 2025 Carabao Cup Final should be a thrilling encounter, with Liverpool taking on Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 16, at 16:30. As the first major domestic trophy of the season, this match holds significant importance for both clubs.
For Liverpool, it’s a chance to add yet more silverware to their trophy-laden cabinet, reinforcing their dominance in English football over the years. For Newcastle United, this final is another opportunity to end their long wait for domestic silverware, with the Magpies’ last triumph on this front dating back to 1955, when they won the FA Cup.
The clash is expected to be highly competitive, given Liverpool’s proven pedigree in cup finals and Newcastle’s rise under manager Eddie Howe. Both teams have been impressive on their way to the final, setting the stage for what should be a memorable showdown between the two Premier League outfits.
Liverpool’s Road to the Final
Liverpool have been dominant in the Carabao Cup over the years, with ten triumphant campaigns to their name. Their journey to this year’s final further highlights their consistency and ability to navigate high-pressure matches.
- Third Round: Liverpool comfortably defeated Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Diogo Jota on the scoresheet.
- Fourth Round: A tense 2-1 win over Bournemouth showcased Liverpool’s determination to progress in the competition. Darwin Nunez bagged a late winner.
- Quarter-finals: Chelsea at Stamford Bridge provided a stern test of Liverpool’s credentials in the quarter-finals, but the Reds overcame the Blues thanks to Mohamed Salah’s brilliance.
- Semi-Finals: In their toughest challenge yet, Liverpool had to overcome a 1-0 first-leg defeat away at Spurs to make the final. They won 4-1 on the night, securing a 5-2 aggregate victory.
Under Arne Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer, Liverpool have managed to maintain their high-intensity playing style. Their attacking trio, led by Salah, has been in fine form, while their defence has remained solid under the leadership of Virgil van Dijk. They comfortably clear at the top of the Premier League and are the overwhelming favourites to win the title according to Premier League outright betting, which may give them the edge in the final.
Newcastle United’s Road to the Final
Newcastle United have been on a remarkable journey in the Carabao Cup in the last several years. Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have now made the final twice in three years, having finished runners-up in 2023. They will be hoping to go one step further this time around.
- Third Round: A dominant 4-1 win over Sheffield United, with Alexander Isak on hand with a brace on the night.
- Fourth Round: Newcastle gained a measure of revenge when they knocked out holders Manchester United who they lost in the final to in 2023 with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
- Quarter-Finals: In a dramatic penalty shootout, Newcastle made it past Brighton after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
- Semi-Finals: The Magpies stunned everyone when they recorded a 4-0 aggregate victory over Arsenal in the semi-finals.
Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have continued to move in the right direction. They’ve previously qualified for the Champions League, and Premier League Top 4 Finish betting suggests they could do so again this term. A return to European football would be huge for the Magpies, and if they could make it happen, and finally add a domestic trophy to the cabinet, even better.
Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool have historically dominated this fixture. In their 189 previous meetings, the Reds have recorded 94 victories, with Newcastle winning 50 and there being 45 draws.
Their most recent meeting came in the Premier League at Anfield, with Liverpool winning 2-0 on February 26, thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
Newcastle last defeated Liverpool in December 2015, when they ran out 2-0 winners at St James’ Park.
Key Players to Watch
Liverpool
- Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian forward remains Liverpool’s biggest attacking threat, boasting an incredible record in cup finals. He’s arguably the best player on the planet right now, and he’ll be crucial in the big attacking moments.
- Virgil van Dijk – The Dutch central defender remains a rock at the back, and he will be tasked with marshalling the defence and stopping Alexander Isak.
- Alexis Mac Allister – The Argentine midfielder is a player who can have an impact in both directions for Liverpool, and this will be key in what’s expected to be a free-flowing game.
Newcastle United
- Alexander Isak – What Salah is to Liverpool, Alexander Isak is to Newcastle. The Swedish striker is their primary goal threat, with pace and composure in front of goal likely to be decisive on the counter.
- Bruno Guimaraes – Bruno Guimaraes is Newcastle’s talisman. The Brazilian midfielder is integral in the engine room and will be looking to break up play in the middle of the park.
- Kieran Trippier – Kieran Trippier is likely to start for Newcastle and his experience will be crucial in the final, especially with key players absent through injury and suspension.
Injury and Suspensions
While Liverpool have no major injury concerns ahead of the final, manager Arne Slot has a decision to make in goal, as Caoimhin Kelleher has played throughout the tournament, but Alisson could come in at Wembley to start.
Newcastle have several key absentees:
- Sven Botman (knee) – The Dutch central defender is again out with a serious knee injury.
- Lewis Hall (foot) – The in-form left-back has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
- Anthony Gordon (suspension) – The winger, a key player in Eddie Howe’s team, is out after a red card picked up in the FA Cup.
Liverpool’s position as firm favourites to win the Carabao Cup final, according to EFL Cup betting, has been strengthened by their lack of injury concerns and the number of key players Newcastle will be without.
Previous Carabao Cup Final Encounters
Newcastle have made their third League Cup final this year, with their other two appearances coming in 1976 and 2023. If they’re successful on Sunday, it will be their first time winning the competition.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will make their 15th final appearance on Sunday afternoon, and they’re looking to collect their 11th title, which will extend their record as the most successful team in the competition.
Final Thoughts
Clashes between Liverpool and Newcastle United are renowned for being thrilling encounters and usually high-scoring affairs. While this probably won’t be what either Arne Slot or Eddie Howe want to see play out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, it should make for excellent viewing for neutrals.
In reality, taking everything into account, Liverpool will really fancy their chances of winning their 11th League Cup title, with Newcastle undoubtedly the underdogs. Liverpool have looked invincible at times, and with Mo Salah on fire, it will be difficult to stop them.
Newcastle already had a challenge ahead of them, but without the likes of Botman, Hall, and especially Gordon, Howe is going to have to rethink the Magpies’ approach if they’re to make a good fist of winning on the day.
