. They’re the defending champions too, beating Chelsea 1-0 after extra time in last season’s final. That was the last trophy won under Jurgen Klopp, and it would be fitting for it to be the first under Arne Slot.
The final is also Liverpool’s chance to bounce back from Champions League heartache, after their penalty-shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. That ended Liverpool’s hopes of a treble, but now the Reds have to refocus to claim the first of a double.
Liverpool team news vs Newcastle
As well as their defeat, Liverpool suffered another blow in midweek as Trent Alexander-Arnold came off against PSG due to injury. After the game, Slot admitted he would be surprised if Alexander-Arnold was available for the final.
To make matters worse, Conor Bradley isn’t expected back from injury until after the international break. And Joe Gomez is out until May. So, Jarrell Quansah may have to start at right-back, having come on to replace Alexander-Arnold in midweek.
Ibrahima Konate also had to come off late on against PSG, though that was more due to tiredness in extra time that injury. So the Frenchman should be okay to start alongside Virgil van Dijk in the Reds’ defence.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have built a good partnership and that is unlikely to be broken this weekend — even after the 120 minutes in midweek. It’s the same case for the rest of Liverpool’s starting lineup.
Mo Salah is a guarantee to start, while Luis Diaz may continue with Cody Gakpo only just returning from injury. But the Dutchman will look to make an impact from the bench, having scored five goals in the Carabao Cup this season.
In the middle, Dominik Szoboszlai seems to be Slot’s favourite, while Diogo Jota should …
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