Liverpool v Newcastle: Who is the Carabao Cup final bigger for?published at 14:31 15 March
14:31 15 March
With Liverpool and Newcastle United set to face off at Wembley for the first domestic silverware of season in the Carabao Cup final, we asked our fan contributors for each club to tell us their thoughts before the big showdown.
Who is the final bigger for? What would winning this trophy mean? What gives hope for getting it over the line?
'Eddie, will you hurry up and win a trophy!'published at 13:36 15 March
13:36 15 March
Image source, Getty Images
The last captain to win a cup for Newcastle, Bobby Moncur, says it has been "far too long" since the Magpies claimed silverware and wants someone to "take this role over".
Bruno Guimaraes has the chance to become the first Newcastle skipper to lift a trophy since Moncur lifted the European Fairs Cup in 1969 under club legend Joe Harvey.
"Alan Shearer nearly won a trophy as captain but we didn't," Moncur told BBC Radio Newcastle's Matt Bailey.
"There's been a few near misses as well and I keep thinking someone is going to have to take this role over because it was 1969.
"Who would have thought at the time Newcastle would win a European trophy and then win nothing more of any ilk until now? You just can't believe it.
"Every year goes by and, sadly, I get a year older and I think to myself I might not see them win another trophy. I said that to Eddie [Howe] when I saw him - I said: 'Eddie, will you hurry up please because I might run out of time here!'"
England call up 'will do Burn's confidence a world of good'published at 19:09 14 March
19:09 14 March
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson "is delighted" for Dan Burn, who has been awarded his first England call up at 32 years old.
"He's worked so hard to get to the top so to finally break into the England squad is full credit to him," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"It is deserved and will do his confidence a world of good."
Media caption,
'That is why I came here... I have high ambitions' - Isak on cup finalpublished at 16:59 14 March
16:59 14 March
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak says all of his focus is on "bringing a trophy back" to St James' Park, amid a season of speculation surrounding his future.
Isak's current deal does not expire until the summer of 2028 but he has been linked with a move away from the club as a result of his excellent form.
"That is why I came here," he said when asked about his ambitions at the club.
"I have said many times that I don't really think too much about my future. I have said many times I am happy here and we are competing for titles, which is what you want as a football player. We have been to one final and now we are in another one.
"The chances are there. We should look at it one season at a time - and this season we can win a trophy. I have said many times I am focused on doing a job. All of our focus is on Sunday and bringing a trophy back."
Isak also played down any injury fears before Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
The 25-year-old - who has scored 22 goals so far this season - has only recently returned from a groin problem but started the FA Cup defeat by Brighton at the start of March and Monday's Premier League win over West Ham.
"I feel good," Isak added. "I am really excited for the game.
"The best way to prepare is to train as normal. It will come down to what we do as a team, and that is all we can focus on. I am excited but focused on the job.
"I just want to be the best version of myself. I have high ambitions. I am trying to create my own history at Newcastle. I'm happy with what I have done so far but always looking forward."
Earlier, we asked who is second behind Shay Given for most Premier League victories in a Newcastle shirt.
Just edging out Alan Shearer (126) with 127 wins was Robert Lee.
'That record has been too long - it needs to go!'published at 13:51 14 March
13:51 14 March
Image source, Getty Images
Rob Lee was the last player to score for Newcastle at Wembley, in an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea almost 25 years ago.
That is far too long, says the former Magpies midfielder as he called for the current crop to "leave everything on the pitch" when they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
"I never get bored of people reminding me of the goal," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "I get bored of people reminding me of the result because we haven't got a great record at Wembley - the new one or the old one.
"If Alexander Isak or anyone breaks it and we win the game then I'll be absolutely delighted. I will be partying with the rest of the Geordies. It's great to have records but that record has been there too long. It needs to go.
"It's not until you finish playing many years later that you look back and think: 'Wow, I did that.' I'm not sure Alan [Shearer] was trying to cross, I think he was shooting and scuffed it."
Lee's equaliser was in vain as Gus Poyet put the Blues back ahead six minutes later as they went on to make the final.
Despite the result, Lee still has fond memories of playing at the national stadium.
"It's a dream of everybody's," he said. "It was a dream when I was growing up. I wanted to play at Wembley. I wanted to captain a team at Wembley.
"If I could tell anything to the lads, I would say: 'Listen, go out there and leave everything on the pitch because it goes so quickly. You think you'll get another chance next year, and sometimes those next years pass you by.'
"The team didn't play well in the cup finals - certainly I didn't play well in them. You look back when you're older, you put your slippers on and think: 'Could I have played better? Could I have done more?'
"If I could give any advice to all the players, it is to give everything and give their best shot. If it's not good enough at the end of the day, that's fine - but don't leave anything on the pitch."
How will Newcastle win the Carabao Cup?published at 13:49 14 March
13:49 14 March
As Newcastle prepare for their second Carabao Cup final in three seasons, we want your rallying calls and thoughts on how Eddie Howe's side can beat Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley.
What do the Magpies have to do to get over the line on Sunday?
'On our day we can beat any team in the world'published at 11:20 14 March
11:20 14 March
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Magpies captain Bruno Guimaraes has told BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde that Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool is his "best opportunity" to win silverware since arriving at the club in January 2022.
"I feel very excited for the game," he said. "Everyone in the city is very excited.
"There is big potential. We cannot wait for the day - to get there to Wembley and hopefully we can make history and fulfil our dream.
"We can see the flags in the city. It's the most important game in the past 30, 40 years so it is a big opportunity. We are not seeing this as pressure, we are seeing this as a privilege. We are hopeful to put our names and the club in history.
"We think we deserve that. We work hard every day and in this squad everyone likes each other and wants to be together. This counts for a lot.
"We know if we do this it's going to be massive for the city, for the project, for everyone. The most difficult step is obviously the first step, so we want to do this for everyone.
"Since I signed, I said I want to win something for the club and be part of the history. I take this one as my best opportunity. I cannot see another opportunity better than this one.
"It will be a very difficult game but we are on it, we are confident, we have a great squad and on our day we can beat any team in the world. We are very positive."
Howe on cup final squad fitness, Burn and 'chance to make history'published at 10:15 14 March
10:15 14 March
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley (16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Aside from injured trio Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles and the suspended Anthony Gordon, Howe confirmed he has a full squad available.
Howe said the build-up to this final feels "very different" to the one they lost to Manchester United two years ago and the camp is "feeling very good", adding: "We've gone about our business in a really calm, professional way. We've had a really tough run in the Carabao Cup, we've gone round to round and ended up in the final. We are very positive. There's been a lot less emotion and a lot less noise from outside. Hopefully that helps us."
On Dan Burn's England call-up: "Incredible moment for Dan. There is no-one more deserving, in my opinion. He is such an inspiring guy and a talented player. It is a great football story."
Howe stressed the importance of the supporters: "We know from the last time we got to the final the feeling of support and unity. We are absolutely going to need them - we need every bit of help we can to push ourselves over the line."
On team selection: "There are always decisions to make, that will be no different for this game. We don't have a huge pool of players, [but] we have a very tight squad. We are in a good place after the win on Monday night and that was a big thing for us. Everyone wants to play in these bigger games."
Howe wants to harness the "motivation" to end the Magpies' long major trophy drought: "A lot is made of that - of course I understand why. But, I think it's a real motivation for us to try to break that long time and that long wait that everyone's feeling. It should be inspiring for us - not a negative. It's a chance to make history for us as a team - that's very rare in football."
Burn included in England squadpublished at 09:02 14 March
09:02 14 March
Newcastle defender Dan Burn has received his maiden call-up to the England national team in Thomas Tuchel's first squad as England boss.
The 32-year-old joined the Magpies in 2022 from Brighton and has made 35 appearances for the club this season, including 27 in the Premier League.
Tuchel said: "I was surprised that Dan was never called up. He is such a tall guy, but obviously it is easy to overlook him. It almost happened to me.
"I can tell you from these two phone calls with Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn, you instantly know that you picked the right guys."
England face Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifiers with both games being played at Wembley, where on Sunday Burn and his Newcastle team-mates are hoping to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.
Today's trivia challengepublished at 08:57 14 March
08:57 14 March
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Shay Given has the most Premier League victories for Newcastle, racking up 136 in 12 seasons at St James' Park.
But who comes second in that list?
Answer will be revealed at 17:00 GMT
Will Newcastle qualify for the Champions League?published at 08:21 14 March
08:21 14 March
Image source, PA Media
We asked for your views on why Newcastle will qualify for the Champions League.
Here are some of your comments:
John: It's not a difficult run-in and with six of the final 10 games at home, Eddie Howe has the expert ability to implement the right tactics to deliver success.
Ben: Alexander Isak - nothing more to say.
Gary C: We have Bruno Guimaraes in the middle, Fabian Schar at the back and Isak in attack.
Connor: Because Eddie Howe's the best thing at this club in over 20 years and knows exactly what he's doing.
Sue: Team spirit as we never give up and we deserve it!
Cliff: We know what it takes, we've done it before and we'll do it again, plus, we have the best players.
Krishan: Because it is an expectation of the club and if the players are Champions League players, then they need to prove it.
But not everyone agrees with the suggestion. Here are a few on the other side.
Tom: It's so up for grabs at the moment, but we have been very inconsistent and I think comparing our squad to the rest of the teams in and around those places, we do not have the strength in depth they do.
John: To be honest I don't think they will as they are too inconsistent.
Brian: Already lost Hall and Botman so are now reliant on Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton and Isak - lose any of these and Newcastle have little chance of qualifying.
Could potential new 65,000 seater stadium be 'not big enough'?published at 08:00 14 March
08:00 14 March
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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson says reported plans for a new 65,000-seater stadium might not be big enough for the club.
"I think a lot of people would say it's not going to be big enough," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle's the Total Sport: Newcastle United podcast. "I think the fact they have decided they want to go forward with this new stadium is what people want.
"If it is true, and you would think there is foundation for it, an awful lot of people would not think that stadium is big enough.
"We were at Liverpool a few weeks ago for the league game and that is around 62,500. I talked to a few people around there and they said they could made Anfield bigger."
Gordon 'a big miss' but Newcastle have other ways to win at Wembleypublished at 18:48 13 March
18:48 13 March
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Anthony Gordon will be a big miss for the Carabao Cup final because I believe when I have seen Newcastle perform at their best this season, it has been when he and Alexander Isak have affected the opposition in transition.
There are times when Newcastle keep the ball and progress it really well into the opposition's half but there are also times where they can turn and attack and be one of the best counter-attacking teams in the league.
That is because of ball-carriers like Gordon and Isak. To lose that and someone who has the ability to beat anyone in a one-v-one situation is a big blow, but there are other ways to win a game and they have shown that this season.
They will have to try something else - maybe Harvey Barnes will start or Joe Willock will play out wide, or even Joelinton to try to negate some of the threat Liverpool have.
All it does is changes the way they are able to win, but it does not mean they cannot win. It just means it will look different without one of their key players.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward
The rousing Carabao Cup final speech...published at 18:47 13 March
18:47 13 March
Media caption,
Total Sport Newcastle United podcast presenter Raul Kohli has offered players a rousing speech before the Carabao Cup final.
'Newcastle have an opportunity'published at 17:30 13 March
17:30 13 March
The Total Sport team chat to The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh about Saturday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on the Newcastle United Podcast:
"I do think they have more than a puncher's chance, I think if you have Alexander Isak up front, and we've seen that he has really caused Virgil van Dijk problems in the past, particularly this season.
"He's not a player that defenders like playing against. Against Arsenal's defence with William Saliba and Gabriel, who look so confident and competent against everyone else, he made them look lost at sea and he did that against Virgil van Dijk.
"When you have players of that quality, when you have Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Newcastle have an opportunity. It may be 65% in Liverpool's favour but I do give Newcastle a pretty decent chance of winning it."
Cup final provides chance for 'once-in-a-lifetime achievement'published at 09:23 13 March
09:23 13 March
Image source, Getty Images
In reality every player is different, but most of the players in the build-up to the final will want to stick to their normal routines.
But it is a very hard thing to do when you know the scale of the game ahead.
Getting a chance to play at Wembley is always a huge privilege and one that players do not ever take for granted.
Interestingly for these two teams, Liverpool have won at Wembley several times in recent years but Newcastle lost the Carabao Cup final two years ago against Manchester United. The experience of losing that could potentially help the players who played in it.
The Magpies are trying to be history-makers - it has been so long since they lifted a major domestic honour. They will be very keen and motivated and the game feels bigger for Newcastle. Their history is not littered with trophies or Wembley appearances. For their fans, watching them lift a cup at Wembley would be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
They will be the underdogs but maybe that suits their identity and the identity of the fans. Things are different from last time though - Newcastle's league position has changed and they are facing a very different opponent with different expectations and skillsets.
For the fanbase travelling down, the first time was maybe a case of excitement but this time there is an understanding of what it takes to be successful because they tasted disappointment last time and do not want to face it again.
The euphoria two years ago may have affected one or two players, which then affects the whole game itself. Those players and fans just want to see their team do themselves justice and not walk away with any regrets.
From living in or near the city, the players will know the excitement that is building there. From a Newcastle standpoint, it is understanding the scale of it but still making sure they are ready and prepared. They must ensure they are not caught on the back foot because they see the game in the wrong sort of way.
Newcastle have caused Liverpool problems already this season in the game at St James' Park so the Reds will not take anything for granted.
It is a case of being prepared, being ready for the moment and understanding the lights will shine down on you for that game.
It is a case of making sure they are not too bright for you.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward
Why will Newcastle qualify for the Champions League?published at 08:23 13 March
08:23 13 March
Ten games to go and we need your positivity.
It is looking likely the Premier League will be awarded an extra Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season, so finishing fifth will mean a seat at Europe's top table.
We want you to tell us, in just one sentence, why Newcastle will qualify for the Champions League.
