EFL Cup Final: Liverpool vs Newcastle United Preview – March 16, 2025

EFL Cup Final: Liverpool vs Newcastle United Preview – March 16, 2025



The 2024/25 EFL Cup final promises an electrifying encounter between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025. Both teams have fought through tough competition to reach this stage and will be desperate to claim the first domestic trophy of the season.

Liverpool, under Jรผrgen Klopp, are aiming to add another EFL Cup title to their illustrious collection, having dominated English football over the past few years. Meanwhile, Newcastle United, led by Eddie Howe, are eager to end their long trophy drought and bring silverware back to St. James’ Park.

This final is expected to be a thrilling contest between two attack-minded teams, each boasting star players and passionate fan bases.

 

Match Details

  • Fixture: Liverpool vs Newcastle United
  • Competition: EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) Final
  • Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 16:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 17:30 CET
  • Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports
    • US: ESPN+, CBS Sports
    • Europe: DAZN, Viaplay
    • Worldwide: Official EFL Cup broadcasters

 

Team News & Injury Updates

Liverpool

Liverpool have once again been one of the strongest teams in England this season, playing exciting attacking football while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Klopp’s side will head into this final as favorites, but they know Newcastle pose a significant challenge.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Trent Alexander-Arnold – Doubtful (muscle strain)
  • Dominik Szoboszlai – Expected to return (hamstring injury)
  • Thiago Alcรขntara – Out (long-term injury)

Key Players:

  • Mohamed Salah – Liverpool’s talisman and top scorer.
  • Darwin Nรบรฑez – A powerful and unpredictable forward.
  • Virgil van Dijk – The defensive rock and team captain.

Liverpool’s attacking firepower, combined with their experience in big finals, gives them a major advantage. However, Klopp will need to ensure his team is well-organized defensively against Newcastle’s counter-attacking threat.

 




Newcastle United

Newcastle have emerged as a top contender in English football, thanks to significant investment and smart tactical management under Eddie Howe. They reached the EFL Cup final last season but fell short against Manchester United. This time, they will be determined to go one step further.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Sven Botman – Doubtful (knee injury)
  • Joe Willock – Out (hamstring injury)
  • Alexander Isak – Fitness concerns but expected to play

Key Players:

  • Bruno Guimarรฃes – The creative force in midfield.
  • Alexander Isak – A clinical finisher up front.
  • Kieran Trippier – The experienced full-back and set-piece specialist.

Newcastle will rely on their solid defensive structure and quick transitions in attack to trouble Liverpool. If Isak and Guimarรฃes can find space, the Magpies will be a dangerous threat.

 

Possible Lineups

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konatรฉ, Andrew Robertson
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nรบรฑez, Luis Dรญaz

Newcastle United (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schรคr, Sven Botman (if fit), Dan Burn
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarรฃes, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff
Forwards: Miguel Almirรณn, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon

 

Head-to-Head Record

Liverpool and Newcastle have had intense battles in the Premier League over the years. The Reds have often dominated recent meetings, but Newcastle’s improvement under Eddie Howe has made them much more competitive.

  • Last 5 Meetings:
    • Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle (EPL, 2024)
    • Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool (EPL, 2024)
    • Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle (EPL, 2023)
    • Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool (EPL, 2023)
    • Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle (EPL, 2022)

Liverpool have had the upper hand in past meetings, but finals are unpredictable, and Newcastle will be eager to turn the tide.

 

Tactical Battle

Liverpool’s Approach:

  • Klopp’s team will play with high intensity, pressing Newcastle high up the pitch.
  • Wide play will be crucial, with Salah and Dรญaz stretching Newcastle’s defense.
  • Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will be key in controlling midfield and creating chances.
  • Van Dijk and Konatรฉ must handle Newcastle’s counter-attacks.

Newcastle’s Approach:

  • Defensive discipline will be crucial, with Trippier leading the backline.
  • Counter-attacks through Isak and Gordon will be their main threat.
  • Midfield battle: Guimarรฃes and Joelinton must disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm.
  • Set-pieces: Trippier’s deliveries could be a game-changer.

 

Prediction

This final has all the ingredients of a classic. Liverpool are the favorites, but Newcastle are more than capable of causing an upset.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle (after extra time)

Newcastle will put up a strong fight, but Liverpool’s experience in big matches may just give them the edge in a closely contested battle.

 

How to Watch the EFL Cup Final Live

TV Broadcast:

  • UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports
  • USA: ESPN+, CBS Sports
  • Europe: DAZN, Viaplay
  • Worldwide: Various official broadcasters

Live Streaming:

  • Available via Sky Go, ESPN+, DAZN, Viaplay, and official club channels.

For fans unable to attend Wembley, watching through official broadcasters or streaming services will be the best way to experience the action.

 

Conclusion

The EFL Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle is set to be an exciting and high-intensity battle. Liverpool will look to continue their dominance, while Newcastle will be desperate to make history by securing their first major trophy in decades.

With star players on both sides and strong tactical setups, this final will be a must-watch for football fans. Who will lift the EFL Cup on March 16? We’ll find out soon!