Liverpool v Newcastle: Carabao Cup Final Tactical Preview | OneFootball

Liverpool v Newcastle: Carabao Cup Final Preview from A-Eye Scouted

The Carabao Cup Final looms large, with Liverpool and Newcastle set to face off in a high-stakes clash at Wembley. On Anfield Index’s A-Eye Scouted podcast, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett dissected the match in detail, exploring Liverpool’s squad issues, Newcastle’s approach, and the key battles that could define the outcome.

Midfield Battle Will Be Key

One of the main concerns for Hendrick is how Liverpool will cope with Newcastle’s physicality in midfield. “I look at the games we’ve come up against physical, powerful midfields in the Premier League, and I’m not sure there’s many of those battles that we’ve won,” he admitted.

He referenced Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Arsenal as sides that have “bullied us in midfield” at times this season, with Newcastle having already done so in their St James’ Park clash. “That is a concern for me,” Hendrick continued, citing Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton as players who could dominate the middle of the park.

Matchett echoed those worries, pointing out that Newcastle’s energy levels and pressing will be “tuned in” given the significance of the game for them. “For their World Cup final, everyone you can absolutely be guaranteed is going to be totally tuned in,” he stated.

Tactical Dilemmas for Arne Slot

With Trent Alexander-Arnold unavailable, Liverpool’s right-back selection is a major talking point. Conor Bradley is also absent, leading to discussions over whether Jarell Quansah should start there or if Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas could be deployed in an unfamiliar role.

“I was thinking, do you throw Tsimikas in at right-back?” Hendrick pondered. “I don’t think he’d be overwhelmed by the whole thing. He’s played in cup finals, he stepped up and took the last penalty in a shootout.”

Photo: IMAGO

However, he also noted that Quansah is the most likely choice, adding: “If he starts, we don’t have a backup centre-back on the bench, because Gomez is injured.”

Further forward, Matchett suggested a midfield four might be the best approach, particularly to deal with Newcastle’s pressing. “If not having Trent means bringing in a fourth midfielder actually makes even more sense, because you get a bit more control.”

Isak vs. Van Dijk: A Battle to Watch

Another key matchup will be Alexander Isak vs. Virgil van Dijk. Newcastle’s striker has caused Liverpool’s defence significant problems in the past, and Hendrick is wary of his threat again. “Isak has caused our centre-backs problems. He caused Virgil and Ibrahima Konaté big problems up there last year,” he recalled.

Matchett agreed, stating that Newcastle’s direct approach suits Isak’s style, and that Liverpool must be prepared to track his movements.

“Newcastle work hard, full stop,” he said. “They’re horrible to play against—they’re physical, aggressive, they move the ball well, they move it quickly.”

Photo: IMAGO

Can Liverpool Cope with Newcastle’s Motivation?

Newcastle will be desperate to end their 70-year trophy drought, something Matchett underlined as a huge motivational factor. “This is like an all-in moment for them,” he noted. “To end six decades of waiting… This is their World Cup final.”

Guimarães has already framed the game as Newcastle’s biggest occasion in years, saying, “This is everything. This is our World Cup final.”

However, Hendrick remains confident Liverpool can rise to the occasion, predicting a 2-1 win for the Reds. “I think this group will rally over the next couple of days, get together and talk out what happened against PSG,” he said. “I think Arne and his team will get in the lab and realise, ‘Look, we got it wrong against PSG, so let’s get it right against Newcastle.’”

Final Prediction

While Matchett is leaning towards a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, Hendrick believes Liverpool’s quality will shine through, despite the absence of key players. “We know everything about them, we know what they want to do—let’s figure out a way to counter-balance what they want, which is to physically dominate us in midfield.”

With Mohamed Salah expected to lead the line, Liverpool will be heavily reliant on his goalscoring. “That’s been the case all season, and I think Mo will rise to the challenge,” said Hendrick.

The Carabao Cup Final is set up as a fascinating encounter, with Newcastle’s hunger for silverware clashing against Liverpool’s experience in big occasions. As Wembley beckons, Anfield Index’s A-Eye Scouted podcast has provided a deep tactical insight into what could unfold.