Exclusive: Don Goodman's shared "boost" claim for Newcastle United and Liverpool amid Anthony Gordon, Alexander-Arnold news | OneFootball

Don Goodman spoke to FLW ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Liverpool and Newcastle United head to the capital on Sunday as they face off for the EFL Cup trophy under the Wembley arch. Both sides will be without key players though, as suspension and injury has given both managers plenty to think about.

Holders Liverpool are looking to add the first silverware of Arne Slot's tenure as manager, having been appointed last summer. However, a tough fixture awaits them as Newcastle look to end their major domestic trophy drought by winning their first piece of silverware since 1955.

The Magpies will have to do without one of their star players though, as Anthony Gordon is serving a three-match ban for a shove on Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke. The England international was dismissed seven minutes from the end of the match, with Eddie Howe later admitting there wasn't "sufficient ground" to appeal the red card.

In the other camp, news has emerged that Gordon's England teammate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, will also miss the final due to an injury. The right-back would've been up against the former Everton winger had he not been suspended, so the fact that Gordon will be unavailable for selection could be a big relief, now they don't have their first-choice or backup right-back.

Football League World spoke exclusively to former West Bromwich Albion striker and pundit, Don Goodman, ahead of Sunday's final about how much of a boost no Gordon would be for the Reds.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman stated how he thinks injuries and suspension will dictate the outcome of the EFL Cup final. He said: "It's interesting, neither Liverpool nor Newcastle are going to be at full strength.

"There's no doubt about it, it's a silly red card that Anthony Gordon got, and he's going to be absolutely devastated sitting on the sidelines watching a cup final take place without him.

"Obviously, that's a bonus for Liverpool because he is a threat with his pace and his goal threat. They [Newcastle] are also missing Lewis Hall, which is another boost for Liverpool.

"Liverpool have their own injury worries. Trent Alexander-Arnold not being available is a boost for Newcastle and his backup, Conor Bradley, is also not available, so Liverpool will have to deal with a makeshift right-back.

"I'm sure that both managers will be plotting and planning. Obviously, Liverpool are favourites, there's no doubt about that, but I think any team that's got Alexander Isak fit and firing is always going to have a chance of winning a game of football."

Both Liverpool and Newcastle dealt big blows ahead of EFL Cup final

Sunday's encounter looks to be an enthralling match for the neutral, as the holders head into the game as favourites. However, in a one-off game in a packed out Wembley Stadium, the Magpies could spring an upset.

As Goodman mentioned, both sides have suffered big blows ahead of the fixture, which will certainly have Slot and Howe pondering about how they will line up on the big day. With that in mind, it would be extremely hard to predict the outcome of the final.

After Alexander-Arnold's recent injury against PSG, Liverpool will be thankful that Gordon is suspended for the match. The Reds have been left without a natural right-back as Bradley is also unavailable, which could've allowed the winger to have a big impact on Newcastle's left-side.

It will be interesting to see who both managers call upon to replace their stars that aren't available for the match. Newcastle will be keen to go one better than they did in 2023, whilst Liverpool will want to make the trophy theirs for the second year running.