2025 Carabao Cup Final:Soccer Liverpool vs Newcastle – Key Players Missing and How to Watch
As the football world turns its attention to Wembley Stadium this weekend, an intriguing narrative surrounds the 2025 Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United. Both clubs enter this high-stakes showdown with significant absences that could shape the outcome of this eagerly anticipated clash. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this compelling cup final.
What’s at Stake in the 2025 Carabao Cup Final
For Newcastle United, Sunday represents a golden opportunity to end nearly seven decades of trophy drought. The Magpies haven’t lifted a major trophy since their FA Cup triumph back in 1955, making this final particularly significant for their loyal fanbase. Manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged the historic importance of potentially bringing silverware back to St. James’ Park after such a lengthy wait.
Liverpool, meanwhile, enters as the defending Carabao Cup champions after their dramatic victory over Chelsea in last season’s final. The Reds have enjoyed a remarkable campaign under new manager Arne Slot, currently sitting atop the Premier League table. A victory would provide them with momentum heading into the business end of the season as they pursue multiple trophies.
This meeting marks the first time these two sides have faced each other in a major cup final, adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
Key Absences That Could Shape the Final
Unfortunately for both managers, they’ll need to navigate this crucial fixture without some pivotal players.
Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma Without Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool have been dealt a significant blow with the confirmation that star right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the final due to an ankle injury sustained during their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The England international has been a creative force for the Reds this season, contributing 11 assists across all competitions.
“It’s unfortunate timing, but these things happen in football,” Slot told reporters during his pre-match press conference. “We’re hopeful Trent can return before the end of the season, but for now, we need to find solutions without him.”
The situation is further complicated by injuries to Liverpool’s other right-back options, with both Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley unavailable. This defensive crisis may force Slot to deploy center-back Jarell Quansah out of position, creating a potential vulnerability that Newcastle could look to exploit.
Liverpool’s medical team has been working around the clock, but Alexander-Arnold’s absence is confirmed, removing one of the team’s primary creative outlets from this crucial fixture.
Newcastle Without Suspended Gordon
Newcastle’s preparation has been equally disrupted by the absence of influential winger Anthony Gordon, who is serving a suspension following a straight red card for violent conduct during their recent FA Cup match. The suspension, which carries a three-match ban across all domestic competitions, comes at the worst possible time for the Magpies.
Gordon has been instrumental in Newcastle’s cup run, contributing five goal involvements in their journey to Wembley. His pace and direct running have been key weapons in Newcastle’s counter-attacking approach, particularly against possession-dominant sides like Liverpool.
“Obviously losing Anthony for such an important match is disappointing,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented. “But we’ve built a squad capable of stepping up in these moments, and this gives others an opportunity to become heroes.”
Harvey Barnes is expected to replace Gordon in the starting lineup, bringing his own quality to the left wing, though his playing style differs significantly from Gordon’s. Barnes has shown flashes of brilliance since joining Newcastle but has struggled with consistency throughout the season.
Probable Lineups Without Key Stars
With these significant absences in mind, here’s how both teams are likely to line up at Wembley:
Liverpool’s Expected Formation (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defense: Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté (fitness test pending), Andrew Robertson
- Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai
- Attack: Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz
Slot may opt for tactical adjustments to compensate for Alexander-Arnold’s absence, potentially instructing Salah to stay wider than usual to maintain width on the right flank. The midfield trio will likely shoulder additional creative responsibility without Alexander-Arnold’s passing range available.
Newcastle United’s Expected Formation (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
- Defense: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Valentino Livramento
- Midfield: Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
- Attack: Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes
Howe’s side will likely focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions, with Barnes needing to perform in Gordon’s absence. The physical presence of Joelinton could be crucial in midfield battles against Liverpool’s technical players.
Historical Context and Recent Form
This final represents the latest chapter in what has become an increasingly competitive rivalry. The clubs have met twice already this season in the Premier League, with Liverpool winning 2-1 at St. James’ Park before a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield in January.
Liverpool enters the final in formidable form, having lost just twice in all competitions since November. Newcastle’s journey has been more inconsistent, though they’ve shown remarkable resilience in cup competitions, eliminating both Manchester clubs en route to Wembley.
How to Watch the Carabao Cup Final
Essential Viewing Information
- Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 12:30 PM ET (5:30 PM GMT)
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- TV and Streaming: Paramount+ (main broadcast) and CBS Sports Golazo Network (special “Star Cam” coverage)
- Radio: SiriusXM FC
For international viewers, check local listings as broadcast rights vary by region.
Match Odds
The bookmakers currently favor Liverpool despite their injury concerns:
- Liverpool win: -170
- Draw: +200
- Newcastle win: +400
These odds reflect Liverpool’s stronger season overall, though cup finals often defy predictions, especially with key absences on both sides.
Tactical Preview: How Absences Could Influence the Match
Liverpool’s approach typically relies heavily on Alexander-Arnold’s creativity from deep positions, with his absence potentially forcing a more central build-up through their midfield trio. Expect Mac Allister to take on additional playmaking duties, while Salah may find himself more isolated without his usual right-side partnership.
For Newcastle, the loss of Gordon removes their most direct attacking threat, but could paradoxically lead to a more cohesive pressing structure. Barnes offers different qualities, potentially combining more effectively with Guimarães and Isak in possession sequences.
Set pieces could prove decisive, with both teams possessing aerial threats despite their absences. Liverpool’s Van Dijk and Newcastle’s Burn represent significant dangers from corners and free kicks.
Final Thoughts
While the absence of Alexander-Arnold and Gordon undoubtedly impacts the spectacle, this Carabao Cup Final still promises to deliver drama and excitement. Both managers face significant tactical puzzles, and the solutions they devise could determine which team lifts the trophy.
For Newcastle, ending their 70-year wait for a major trophy would represent a significant milestone in their project under Saudi ownership. For Liverpool, victory would validate their impressive adaptation to life under Arne Slot and fuel belief in their pursuit of further silverware this season.
Whatever the outcome, Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley provides the perfect stage for new heroes to emerge as two passionate fanbases dream of cup glory.
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