Newcastle have ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy after deservedly beating Premier League rivals Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley. Boyhood Toon fan Dan Burn gave Eddie Howe’s side the lead at the end of a bright first half after powering a header from Kieran Trippier’s corner delivery beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
Newcastle thought they had gone 2-0 up after the break when Alexander Isak turned in from close range, only for the goal to be chalked off for offside against Bruno Guimaraes. But the Swedish striker would not be denied as he quickly then curled into the bottom corner from inside the box after Jacob Murphy had knocked down Tino Livramento’s cross.
Isak should have made it 3-0 as he spurned a huge chance before Liverpool set up a nervy finish in stoppage time when Harvey Elliott’s through ball was fired in by fellow substitute Federico Chiesa, with the goal flagged offside before being given after a lengthy VAR check. But Newcastle held on for their first trophy since the 1955 FA Cup, dealing Premier League champions-elect Liverpool their second major blow of the week after their Champions League hopes were also ended in the last 16 by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties at Anfield on Tuesday.
Liverpool vs Newcastle highlights
- Newcastle beat Liverpool to end 70-year trophy drought
- GOAL! Chiesa's stoppage-time strike given after VAR check
- GOAL! Ruthless Isak doubles Newcastle advantage
- NO GOAL! Isak effort ruled out for offside
- GOAL! Burn powers Newcastle into half-time lead
Liverpool suffer second major setback this week
19:03A picture that encapsulates Liverpool’s total frustration this afternoon.
They just never got going at Wembley, despite that late Chiesa goal that set up a nervy finish.
There will be no memorable double in Arne Slot’s first season in charge for the Premier League champions-elect.
Their second major setback in the space of just a few days after that midweek Champions League last-16 exit on penalties against PSG at Anfield.
The title is not a bad consolation though, it must be said.
A second trophy lift on the pitch from Newcastle is cheered just as loudly as the first.
So many Newcastle fans must have thought this day might never come.
Jubilant Newcastle lift first trophy for 70 years
18:49Brilliant scenes as Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes jointly lift the Carabao Cup trophy, which is now making its way down the line of Newcastle players up on the Wembley balcony.
Each lift being cheered to the rafters by Newcastle fans, who will remember these moments forever.
The camera again pans to Alan Shearer, who gets another massive roar.
A penny for his thoughts right now!
Wild scenes of celebration on the pitch and in the stands from Newcastle’s players, staff and fans.
Despondent Liverpool have already been up to collect their medals.
Now their victorious opponents are about to ascend the Wembley steps to lift the trophy.
Bruno Guimaraes: This is the best day of my life
18:41 , George FloodNewcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is very emotional in his post-match interview on the Wembley pitch with Sky Sports.
He calls this the best day of his life.
“It's all for these fans,” he says. “They deserve everything. When I first came here I said I wanted to put my name in history.
"We can now say we are the champions again. This is one of the best days of my life.
"I don't have any words. It's the best day of my life. For them it's like the World Cup. People have grown up and not seen us as champions.
“My first year as captain of this club and it's one of the best days. This is unbelievable.
"This is my second home. We are making history. Some day when I leave this club I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to Shearer.
“He text me before the game. I'm so emotional today.”
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle
18:32Full-time
NEWCASTLE HAVE WON THE CARABAO CUP!
One of English football’s most famous trophy droughts is over at long, long last.
Their first major silverware for 70 years. Wow.
Amazing scenes at Wembley, Alan Shearer and Ant and Dec among the famous fans jubilant in the stands.
What a day.
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle
18:30 , George Flood101 mins: Now we have a VAR check for potential violent conduct after Joelinton looks to throw Elliott to the ground.
He escapes punishment. Still we continue.
This is agonising for Newcastle fans who are so desperate to hear that final whistle.
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle
18:29 , George Flood100 mins: Wilson looks to be through but he heads to the corner.
Past 100 minutes and still we play on at Wembley...
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle
18:28 , George Flood98 mins: Newcastle are attacking themselves now and cheering every tackle.
They have a corner and Tonali is booked for time-wasting, so too Pope.
Chiesa was also shown a yellow card after that Liverpool goal.
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle
18:27 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
That is an almightily close line there. Chiesa gets the benefit of the doubt and the magic green line. Game on, Liverpool cut the deficit.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle | Federico Chiesa 94'
18:25 , George Flood94 mins: Hold on a moment!
Chiesa slots past Pope and the offside flag is up.
However, he looks onside on the replay and the goal is given after a VAR review on multiple things lasting two minutes.
Referee John Brooks confirms to the fans that it is indeed a goal.
We will have that grandstand finish after all with more time to add on...
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:22 , George Flood93 mins: Pinball in the Newcastle box as Liverpool throw the kitchen sink at it in stoppage time, but Nunez’s effort is blocked.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:19 , George Flood90 mins: Howe bolsters his defence by sending on Krafth for Murphy.
EIGHT minutes of added time signalled.
Can Liverpool set up a grandstand finish at Wembley?
It certainly doesn’t look likely.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:1685 mins: Just nothing happening for Liverpool in attack still as Pope easily gathers another loose ball.
They have been so poor today. How much did that agonising PSG defeat take out of them in midweek?
Extra time certainly wasn’t ideal.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:13 , George Flood82 mins: Into the final 10 minutes and Newcastle are hunting the third goal that would surely kill off this game.
Joelinton shoots narrowly wide before a save from Kelleher and Livramento sees an effort blocked behind by Jones.
No idea what system Liverpool are playing here with Slot having thrown caution to the wind and sent on all his attacking substitutes.
Wilson now drives wide.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:10 , George Flood79 mins: Jones fails to hit the target after spinning into space from Elliott’s pass. More ironic cheers from the Newcastle fans.
Isak is down again and will be coming off here for the final 10 minutes.
Barnes also coming off too. On come Wilson and Willock.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:08 , George FloodHere is that goal on his 100th Newcastle appearance for Alexander Isak...
"Now they're BELIEVING!" 🎙️
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
Alexander Isak doubles the Newcastle lead at Wembley 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sUlyVIX5Ul
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:08 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
Liverpool predictably enjoying a handsome share of possession in recent minutes as they try to halve the deficit, but Newcastle's belief growing with every minute that ticks on by.
They're defending resolutely.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:07 , George Flood76 mins: Liverpool look so short on ideas and ingenuity in attack - not often we’ve said that this season.
Pope clears one set-piece delivery and now Burn thunders clear another after Bruno Guimaraes’ foul on Szoboszlai.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:03 , George Flood72 mins: So many mistakes and misplaced passes from Liverpool at the moment rather sums up their poor performance so far.
More changes now from Slot as Chiesa and Elliott replace Gravenberch and Diaz.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
18:00 , George Flood69 mins: Gakpo is on for Mac Allister and a dangerous-looking cross is taken by Pope.
20 minutes left for Liverpool to try and rescue this.
Salah has barely touched the ball.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:5866 mins: End-to-end stuff this now and Newcastle are briefly down to nine men with Isak and Joelinton both needing to go off after treatment.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:54 , George Flood63 mins: The ball runs kindly through for Pope off Nunez and here come Newcastle again.
That should be their first trophy since 1955 in the bag as Barnes taps across for Isak, who must score but can only pick out the hands of Kelleher from close range.
Then just wide from Schar!
Liverpool breathe a massive sigh of relief.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:51 , George Flood61 mins: Liverpool have really upped their levels here and only a vital last-ditch block from Joelinton thwarts Robertson.
Pope punches away the resulting corner with Newcastle soaking up huge pressure.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:50 , George Flood59 mins: A little warning there for Newcastle not to get too comfortable with their two-goal lead as substitute Jones combines with Szoboszlai before seeing a fierce strike tipped over by Pope.
Tonali is down for Newcastle after he and Bruno Guimaraes both tried to block that effort and collided on the slide.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:49 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
Those behind the goal in black and white are in sheer ecstasy. Isak has arrived on the biggest stage of all, on his 100th appearance for the club.
An instinctive finish befitting of his growing status in the game.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:4756 mins: Slot makes two changes to try and find a way back into this final for stunned Liverpool.
Konate and Jota are replaced by Jones and Nunez.
Gravenberch moving to the back? A shock sub that.
GOAL! Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle | Alexander Isak 52'
17:41 , George Flood52 mins: That one will count!
Isak curls beautifully away from Kelleher and into the bottom corner after Murphy does really well to knock down a Livramento cross from the left.
A brilliant finish and Newcastle fans are in absolute dreamland at Wembley.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:4152 mins: GOAA... NO!
Isak slams home from close range after Newcastle sneak in Joelinton around the back at the corner.
But it’s ruled out for offside against Bruno Guimaraes!
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:39 , George Flood50 mins: Newcastle force another corner early in the second half.
Have they changed their approach to trying to contain Burn?
Nope, it’s Mac Allister again. Baffling from Slot.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:38 , George Flood47 mins: Superb defending again from Joelinton as he gets back to get a pivotal touch to Jota’s cut-back intended for Diaz inside the box.
Another roar of celebration from the Brazilian.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:35 , George FloodBack underway for a huge second half at Wembley.
Trippier is still out there for Newcastle, so he must have shaken off that hamstring issue.
Are the Magpies about to end their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy?
No changes from either manager just yet.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:27Headers don’t come much more emphatic than that!
Whatever happens to Newcastle this afternoon, that is a moment that will stay with lifelong Toon fan Dan Burn forever.
Fairytale stuff. But why on earth are Liverpool persisting with Mac Allister trying to mark Burn?!
Madness.
"It's the boy from Blyth!"
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
A bullet header from Dan Burn! 💥 pic.twitter.com/TWjNryvqeu
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:25 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
I said Dan Burn was getting a feel for Wembley this afternoon. Feeling pretty good, isn't it?!
What a thumping header that was, cannoned past Kelleher, raising Howe off his seat. The raw jubilation from the Newcastle fans was deafening.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:20 , George FloodHalf-time
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:2048 mins: Falling behind suddenly sparks Liverpool into life as Salah threatens for the first time in the game, his cross to the back post knocked down by Diaz before being fired over by Jota.
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle | Dan Burn 45'
17:16 , George Flood45 mins: Newcastle take the lead on the stroke of half-time!
Burn gets up to power home a header from Trippier’s corner.
One half of Wembley erupts. What a moment for the boyhood Toon fan.
Really poor defending again from Liverpool to try and deal with the threat of Burn from set-pieces.
It’s been a common theme of this first half.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:15 , George Flood45 mins: Newcastle are alert to a second ball once again and Konate has to block from Barnes’ strike inside the box.
Another Toon corner with half-time looming...
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:14 , George Flood42 mins: Livramento and Barnes link up well again down the Newcastle left but Isak is unable to bring in the latter’s cross and it’s a Liverpool goal kick.
A searching delivery from the right in towards Barnes also falls safe.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:11 , George Flood40 mins: The ball bounces up and hits the right hand of Trippier inside the Newcastle box as he tries to stop Diaz from meeting a cross.
It’s no penalty and checked and cleared by VAR, who explain that his hand was out for balance.
Looks fair enough to me.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:10 , George Flood38 mins: Newcastle have an issue here with Trippier holding the back of his hamstring.
Konate and Joelinton are involved in a collision before another between Tonali and Szoboszlai leaves both players down and rubbing their heads.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:08 , George Flood36 mins: Pope comes tearing out of his box again to snuff out the danger posed by a long Liverpool ball through the middle, though doesn’t get much distance on his clearing header.
Superb determination and strength from Joelinton to get back and battle Quansah, celebrating with a roar as he earns a free-kick to the left of the Newcastle box.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:06 , George Flood35 mins: Burn engineers a total mismatch in the air against Mac Allister, meeting Newcastle’s latest corner before a little flicked header from Bruno Guimaraes ends up in the hands of Kelleher.
Liverpool don’t look particularly comfortable attempting to deal with Burn’s threat from set-pieces in this first half.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:05 , George Flood34 mins: Two big blocks in quick succession from Robertson - the first one he doesn’t know too much about as Isak heads Barnes’ cross straight into him.
But he reacts well to make the second to divert Trippier’s fierce strike on the rebound behind.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:04 , George Flood33 mins: Referee John Brooks has a little word with Trippier after he nudges Diaz in the air and the Colombian lands heavily.
Still nothing doing for Liverpool in the final third so far at Wembley.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:02 , George Flood31 mins: Liverpool under the cosh with aerial deliveries into the box, the huge figure of Burn causing uncertainty.
But Newcastle can’t fashion a chance despite keeping the pressure on and firing into the area again after their latest corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:01 , George Flood30 mins: A dangerous ball down the Liverpool left releases Diaz, who is flattened by a committed but fair challenge from Pope, who came racing out of his box.
The offside flag is up.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:00 , George Flood29 mins: Liverpool force a corner on the far side but it’s easily cleared at the front post.
Arne Slot will be disappointed with their lack of attacking threat so far.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:57 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
Isak spotted that pass well and Tonali's effort, flashed just wide, was not a bad one. Howe can be seen applauding from his technical area.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:57 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
Dan Burn will spend a third of the next nine days at Wembley. Getting a feel for the area this afternoon, ahead of his first England camp next week.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:56 , George Flood25 mins: Kelleher smothers at the feet of Burn as Liverpool fail to clear Newcastle’s latest corner delivery from the left.
The Reds can counter, but there’s a big clearing header to greet the delivery into the box.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:55 , George Flood23 mins: Straight into the hands of Pope again at one end before Newcastle build some more pressure.
Tonali curls wide after Barnes and Isak combine, with Konate then having to clear Murphy’s latest dangerous cross behind in the middle with Isak lurking.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:51 , George Flood20 mins: Van Dijk meets the danger posed by Isak, who is making his 100th Newcastle appearance this afternoon.
The Magpies have a corner, going short before Isak brings down Jota for a pressure-relieving free-kick.
A waste.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:50 , George Flood19 mins: An alert Schar clears ahead of Jota after a low ball into the box from out right by Szoboszlai.
It’s all a bit tense at the moment at Wembley.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:48 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
Game has settled down a bit now. Liverpool with the lion's share of possession, building patiently.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:48 , George Flood17 mins: Mac Allister in the wars early for Liverpool as he’s nudged by Bruno Guimaraes and then dispossessed by a firm sliding challenge from Joelinton.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:4615 mins: A heavy challenge there from Quansah on Livramento.
Bruno Guimaraes picks up the loose ball and quickly feeds Murphy, who gets away from Diaz before firing high and wide.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:44 , George Flood13 mins: A vital interception stops Newcastle in their tracks before Liverpool try to counter.
The Reds just haven’t got going in attack yet during these opening exchanges.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:41 , George Flood10 mins: Mac Allister is down holding his head after a collision with the towering Burn.
Nothing in it though. He’ll be fine to continue.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:40Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
Evidence already of Liverpool missing the peerless deliveries of Trent Alexander-Arnold out wide, as Alexis Mac Allister crosses far too close to Nick Pope. Lively start to the game.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:39 , George Flood7 mins: Mac Allister’s delivery from the left sails all the way through to Pope to the ironic cheers from the noisy Newcastle fans at that end of Wembley.
They had won the free-kick after Trippier and Tonali combined for a debatable foul.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:36 , George Flood5 mins: A lovely one-two into the box from Newcastle, with Salah bamboozled as Barnes’ cross is then deflected behind by Gravenberch.
Kelleher parries away the resulting corner and Liverpool hack clear.
A bright start from Newcastle, this.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:35 , George Flood4 mins: Quansah is caught out by Barnes in the middle, though the latter can’t connect with another searching ball into the box from the right flank by Murphy.
At the other end, Trippier came out on top and earned a free-kick in his battle with Diaz.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:33 , George Flood3 mins: Some early danger for Liverpool but Murphy’s cross from the right is seen away by Van Dijk.
Some physical duels out there early on at Wembley.
Liverpool vs Newcastle
16:30 , George FloodUnderway amid a sensational atmosphere at Wembley.
Who will claim the first major silverware of the English domestic season?
A rousing message from Virgil van Dijk to inspire Liverpool in their pre-match huddle.
National anthem done, the two sets of players are exchanging pleasantries - then we’ll be underway.
John Brooks is today’s referee, with Stuart Attwell on VAR duty.
Newcastle fans bringing the noise
16:25 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
The Newcastle support here is absolutely remarkable.
Have tried for a good while to find a Toon fan not waving a black and white scarf. I can't.
Teams are out
16:24Here come the teams at a bouncing Wembley!
A huge roar from both ends of the home of English football.
This could be something special.
Kick-off on the way
16:23Final preparations done with impressive banners unravelled on the pitch and in the stands.
With two of the most vocal fanbases in English football at Wembley today, we are in for a cracking atmosphere.
Eddie Howe out to end trophy drought for English managers
16:20 , George FloodIn addition to ending their long 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy as a club, victory for Newcastle today would also be quite the moment for Eddie Howe.
He would be the first English manager to win a major trophy since Harry Redknapp lifted the FA Cup with Portsmouth at Wembley in 2008.
Huge call from Arne Slot in goal
16:07 , George FloodHere’s more from Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley...
🗣️ "A big decision in goal from Arne Slot."@MrDomSmith previews today's #CarabaoCupFinal at Wembley
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 16, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/1lxnzRfpwF#LIVNEW | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/iWu5e5J61c
Caoimhin Kelleher not short on Wembley experience
16:04Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley
Caoimhin Kelleher has rich experience in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup for Liverpool, but Arne Slot has piled the pressure on the Irishman by selecting him ahead of first-choice goalkeeper Alisson.
It will be intriguing to see how he deals with whatever Newcastle throw at him.
Liverpool hoping this afternoon will produce their first of two pieces of silverware this season.
Newcastle unchanged from West Ham win
15:55 , George FloodNewcastle are unchanged from their 1-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League on Monday night, sealed by captain Bruno Guimaraes’ second-half effort at the London Stadium.
Nick Pope gets the nod over Martin Dubravka in goal, which won’t please some fans.
It looks like Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy flanking Alexander Isak in attack, with a back four and a midfield three.
As expected without the suspended Anthony Gordon, Eddie Howe hasn’t been able to return to the system that was so effective against Arsenal in the semi-final second leg.
Kelleher and Quansah start for Liverpool at Wembley
15:47 , George FloodSo the headline team news from Liverpool is Caoimhin Kelleher starting over Alisson in goal as Arne Slot keeps faith with the man who has mostly started throughout this competition so far.
Jarell Quansah deputises as expected for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Ibrahima Konate has shaken off his knock to start in central defence.
Kelleher and Quansah for Alisson and Alexander-Arnold are Liverpool’s only changes from the midweek loss to PSG, with Diogo Jota continuing in attack.
Newcastle lineup
15:34 , George FloodNewcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Barnes, Isak
Subs: Dubravka, Wilson, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Willock, Longstaff, Miley, Neave
Liverpool lineup
15:31 , George FloodLiverpool XI: Kelleher, Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Jota
Subs: Alisson, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, Tsimikas, McConnell
Lineups on the way
15:24Just 10 minutes away from the official team news at Wembley.
You wouldn’t expect there to be much by way of surprise from Liverpool and Arne Slot, with Jarell Quansah surely stepping up again to deputise for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
However, Newcastle counterpart Eddie Howe must decide who replaces Anthony Gordon and indeed if he can still operate with the same system that flummoxed Arsenal in the semi-finals without the England winger.
The make-up of the defence without Lewis Hall and Sven Botman is also interesting, while a number of fans would rather see Martin Dubravka start in goal over Nick Pope.
Eddie Howe hails Dan Burn 'comeback' after England nod
15:12Dan Burn is among the Newcastle players out inspecting the pitch at Wembley.
What a day for the defender, who could win a major trophy with his boyhood club to complete a fairytale career arc that saw him fight back from being released as a youngster to later realising his dream of pulling on the black and white stripes.
In a nice confidence boost ahead of the final, Burn was named in the England squad for the first time under new boss Thomas Tuchel aged 32.
"Incredible moment for Dan, and I have to say there's no-one more deserving in my opinion,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe on Friday.
"Starting to work with Dan when we did - obviously he came in during our relegation battle - he's just such an inspiring guy, but also a very talented player.
"It's a great story, really, one of the great football stories, one of the great comebacks, someone who had to do it the real hard way, coming through the leagues, dedicated, professional, a leader, a real man, an inspirational figure."
Newcastle out to end 70 years of hurt at Wembley
14:54 , George FloodNewcastle’s last piece of silverware was in 1969, when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup with a 6-2 aggregate final victory over Hungarian side Ujpesti Dozsa.
However, you’d have to go back to 1955 for their last major domestic trophy, when they beat Manchester City 3-1 in the FA Cup final at the old Wembley courtesy of goals from the legendary Jackie Milburn, Bobby Mitchell and George Hannah.
They reached the 1974 FA Cup final, but lost to Liverpool 3-0 - future Magpies legend Kevin Keegan scored twice that day.
Defeats also followed in the 1976 League Cup final to Manchester City, plus in the 1956 and 1997 editions of the Charity Shield.
They lost consecutive FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999 under Kenny Dalglish and then Ruud Gullit, also losing an Intertoto Cup final in 2002 before winning that long forgotten European competition in 2007.
Newcastle’s only cup final appearance either at home or abroad since then was in the 2023 Carabao Cup showpiece, which they lost 2-0 to a Manchester United side under Erik ten Hag winning their first major trophy since 2017 thanks to first-half efforts from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
Atmosphere building on Wembley Way
14:37A brilliant atmosphere already building down Wembley Way, approximately two hours before kick-off.
A familiar journey for Liverpool fans over recent years, while Newcastle’s 2023 Carabao Cup final appearance was their only cup final since they lost back-to-back FA Cup finals at the old Wembley in 1998 and 1999.
Liverpool vs Newcastle: Carabao Cup records
14:25The prize on offer this afternoon, shining resplendently in the Wembley sunshine.
Liverpool are already record winners of the Carabao Cup, having won it 10 times and twice in the last three years - including last season of course, when a young, injury-ravaged side under Jurgen Klopp lifted his final piece of silverware courtesy of a header deep into extra time from captain Virgil van Dijk against Chelsea.
That game of course is probably best known for Gary Neville’s “billion-pound bottle jobs” jibe at Chelsea.
The Reds have also been runners-up in this competition on four separate occasions, the last in 2016 when they lost to Manchester City on penalties.
Newcastle have never won it, losing the final in both 1976 and 2023, to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively.
Arne Slot backs Jarell Quansah to rise to Liverpool challenge
14:16 , George FloodIt was an inauspicious start for Jarell Quansah under Arne Slot after he had burst onto the scene under Jurgen Klopp, with the academy graduate hooked at half-time in the first Premier League game of the season away at Ipswich in August.
He has made just one other start in the top-flight this season, though has been solid when called upon with his valuable versatility and on Friday was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
And Slot has backed Quansah to rise to the challenge of replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool at Wembley.
"If being substituted at half-time is a setback then almost every player has more than a few setbacks during his career," the Dutchman said.
"It was more that people were a bit like 'Oooh' about what I said after the game in that they were not used to a manager being so clear about what I saw and what I did.
"In the end that probably went to a situation where he got criticised more than was normal for a player who was taken off at half-time.
"Mentality-wise it might have been a big moment for him because now he has experienced that people were not only positive about him like last season.
"He also knows now he can fight his way back if people are all of a sudden not positive any more.
"He did really well the last few times he had to play for us, even in a position he is not completely used to at right full-back but he has the qualities to play in that position.
"He is strong, fast, very comfortable with the ball and it gives us an extra quality in terms of set-pieces because he was the one who was this far [measuring inches with his fingers] of us qualifying for the next round by heading the ball against the post [in the second leg against PSG]."
Liverpool vs Newcastle prediction
14:05 , George FloodJurgen Klopp’s young side won this competition in perhaps more difficult circumstances last season given the sheer number of players missing through injury.
Logic, as well as Liverpool’s form all season, would suggest that is likely to happen again.
Still, and while not to doubt Arne Slot’s version of the team, Liverpool haven’t yet proven that under the Dutchman - purely because this is their first final together.
Newcastle will take heart from that, even if injuries and suspension have robbed them of the chance to deploy the system they enjoyed such success with against Arsenal in the semi-finals.
Liverpool, however, would appear to have too much in the way of big-game quality and experience.
Liverpool to win, 2-1.
Newcastle team news
14:01Newcastle’s build-up to today’s final has been largely torrid, with Anthony Gordon sent off for raising his hands to the face of Jan Paul van Hecke during the recent FA Cup fifth round defeat by Brighton.
That rather petulant act means he is suspended for Wembley, with the club choosing not to appeal the decision due to a very limited chance of success.
Newcastle are without their whole first-choice left-side with Lewis Hall missing the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Centre-back Sven Botman is also out for two months after a knee procedure, while today’s game comes too soon for club captain Jamaal Lascelles, who has yet to play this season due to a long-term knee injury.
Liverpool team news
13:55 , George FloodAs mentioned, Liverpool are without Trent Alexander-Arnold today after he was forced off against PSG with an ankle injury.
Arne Slot does expect the England right-back to return before the end of the season, but exactly when is unclear and he will play no part this afternoon.
Liverpool have a shortage of right-back options with Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley already missing with hamstring injuries, so Jarell Quansah will be expected to step up again at Wembley, as he did off the bench in midweek.
Wataru Endo is another possible option, while Slot also said at his pre-match press conference that Curtis Jones could play there if required.
Ibrahima Konate also limped off in extra time against PSG, though is expected to play today.
Young midfielder Tyler Morton is Liverpool’s only other known absentee at present as he recovers from a shoulder operation.
How to watch Liverpool vs Newcastle
13:50 , George FloodTV channel: Today’s final will be broadcast live and free-to-air in the UK on ITV and STV. Coverage starts at 3:30pm GMT.
The game will also be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Showcase. Sky’s coverage begins at 3pm.
Live stream: ITVX and the STV Player – which are both free with an email subscription – will provide a free live stream service online.
Sky Sports subscribers can also watch live online via Sky Go.
Liverpool vs Newcastle live
13:46 , George FloodThe stage is set at Wembley as Liverpool and Newcastle contest today’s Carabao Cup final.
The first piece of major domestic English silverware of the season will be claimed today, with Premier League champions-elect Liverpool chasing the first part of a memorable double and their first trophy under Arne Slot.
However, they don’t come into the game on a high after being knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield in midweek, a game in which Trent Alexander-Arnold was injured.
Newcastle have a number of key absentees of their own as they finally look to end a major domestic trophy drought stretching back 70 years to the 1955 FA Cup final.
The Magpies will need to turn around a woeful recent record against today’s opponents, whom they haven’t beaten in any competition since 2015.
Kick-off in today’s showpiece fixture is at 4:30pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up, team news, lineups and live updates including expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Wembley.
