Arne Slot faces a pivotal decision regarding his goalkeeper selection for the Carabao Cup final, while choosing who will fill the right-back spot seems a bit more straightforward against Newcastle.
This marks Liverpool’s fifth journey to Wembley in four years. Unlike previous encounters, Chelsea won’t be their opponents this time. Instead, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle squad is eager to break a 69-year drought without a major trophy.
Slot’s team might feel weary after their recent Champions League elimination, which involved extra time and a penalty shootout. Nonetheless, there’s no better motivation to recover than the prospect of a final.
Slot generally has a good idea of his preferred lineup, but he’s got a couple of crucial decisions to make. So, let’s dive into the potential starting eleven he’ll deploy at Wembley on Sunday.
### Team News
Ahead of the much-anticipated final, Slot shared both good and bad updates regarding player injuries:
### Liverpool’s Starting XI vs. Newcastle
Alisson is firmly established as the first-choice goalkeeper; however, Caoimhin Kelleher has a rich history in this particular competition. Slot seems inclined to maintain this tradition, so it’ll be interesting to see if the young Irishman takes the field.
Kelleher has already proven himself as more than capable, making his presence in the XI justifiable. But could someone leapfrog him for a starting role?
With Alexander-Arnold sidelined, Jarell Quansah is poised to make his 11th start this season. Curtis Jones is also mentioned by Slot as a potential right-back, should the need arise.
Konate’s fitness will be crucial here, as Liverpool can ill afford to lose another defender at such a critical juncture. The hope is that the Frenchman will rise to the occasion. The midfield and attack could remain unchanged, especially following Diogo Jota’s early exit against PSG and Cody Gakpo not quite being at his best:
– Kelleher takes the gloves, with Alisson waiting in the wings
– Quansah fills in at right-back, stepping in for Alexander-Arnold
– Midfield and attack unaltered since midweek
Here’s the likely setup for Liverpool at Wembley:
Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Jota
Alternatively, Alisson could get the nod over Kelleher, which might reveal more about Slot’s tactical mindset. Outside of a potential switch in the forward line, changes seem unlikely, although Gakpo could force his way back if he showcases enough fitness during the days leading up to the match.
Having struggled with an ankle issue against PSG, Gakpo will be eager to demonstrate his readiness. Should he prove himself, he’d be considered to replace Jota:
– Alisson called upon instead of Kelleher
– Gakpo steps in for Jota, earning his first start since the Merseyside derby
Here’s how those adjustments would look:
Alisson; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Newcastle, driven by the chance to end a long wait for silverware, will bring intense competition. Liverpool must not only match but exceed this vigor to secure Slot’s inaugural trophy.
This clash of titans could see a fascinating skirmish between Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s central defenders, underscoring the importance of having Konate fit and ready.
There’s no better way to alleviate the sting of a Champions League exit than capturing a trophy. C’mon, Liverpool, let’s get it done!
