LONDON, 15 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Liverpool have the opportunity to claim their first piece of silverware under Arne Slot when they face Newcastle United in Sunday’s League Cup final at Wembley. Meanwhile, Newcastle are determined to end a 56-year wait for a major trophy.
As the first domestic final of the English season approaches, Premier League leaders Liverpool will be keen to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. The Reds suffered a 4-1 defeat on penalties in the last-16 second leg at Anfield, bringing an abrupt end to their European ambitions.
Despite that setback, Slot has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign since taking over from Jürgen Klopp last year. Liverpool currently sit 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, edging ever closer to a record-equalling 20th English league title—their first since 2020. However, before turning their full attention to the league, the Dutchman is focused on securing yet another League Cup triumph for the club.
Liverpool, who defeated Chelsea in last season’s final, hold a record 10 League Cup titles and are aiming for their third success in four years.
“You play matches like this to win, and that is exactly what we will try to do,” said Slot, who will be without right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injury.
“We are really looking forward to it because you cannot take a final for granted, especially not in this country with so many good teams.”
Slot, set to experience Wembley for the first time, believes this fixture provides the perfect chance for Liverpool to recover from their Champions League disappointment.
“It’s a great occasion to be part of, and especially after losing against Paris Saint-Germain. This is perhaps the ideal match,” he added.
Newcastle’s Pursuit of History
Newcastle United, long haunted by decades of underachievement, view this final as an opportunity to redefine their modern era. Apart from brief title challenges under Kevin Keegan in the 1990s, the Magpies have endured years of frustration and instability.
Their fortunes changed in 2021 when a Saudi-backed consortium took control of the club, replacing former owner Mike Ashley. The appointment of Eddie Howe as manager soon after has seen Newcastle transformed from relegation strugglers to genuine competitors.
Their resurgence was highlighted by a Champions League qualification for the 2023-24 season. However, the club remains desperate to end their trophy drought, having last won a major honour in 1969 with the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup—a precursor to the Europa League.
On the domestic front, Newcastle’s last significant triumph came in the 1955 FA Cup. Since then, they have fallen short in multiple finals, most recently suffering a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the 2023 League Cup final.
In contrast, since Newcastle’s last trophy win, 30 different English clubs have claimed silverware, while Liverpool have secured 38 major honours—including an FA Cup final victory over Newcastle in 1974.
Despite the weight of history, Howe has encouraged his squad to embrace the opportunity to become club legends.
“We want to break this long wait for a trophy. It is not something to fear,” he said.
“We prefer to look at it differently—as a chance to make history and be remembered positively.”
Injury Woes and Tactical Challenges
Liverpool emerged victorious in their most recent Premier League meeting with Newcastle in February, securing a 2-0 win. The Magpies’ task will be even more challenging this time, as they will be without key players. England international Anthony Gordon is suspended, while defenders Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles are sidelined through injury.
Nevertheless, Howe remains optimistic that his team will rise to the occasion in front of a sell-out Wembley crowd and millions watching worldwide.
“We have largely remained competitive in big matches,” he said. “Our playing style is adaptable, but we also have a clear approach.”
Liverpool enter the final as favourites, but with Newcastle’s desperation to end their barren run, an intense battle is expected as both sides seek to make history at Wembley.
