Newcastle United

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Newcastle are approaching Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool without their first-choice left-sided pairing.

Anthony Gordon is suspended, after his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup, while Lewis Hall is out until next season with a foot injury.

In Monday's 1-0 win at West Ham, Eddie Howe started with Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes at left-back and left wing respectively. Former Newcastle defender John Anderson is certain the duo will line up at Wembley for the Magpies.

"When we saw the team, I said that I think that will be the team that starts at Wembley on Sunday," he said on BBC Radio Newcastle's podcast, Total Sport Newcastle. "I think Livramento just fits in there.

"I said it was a big opportunity for Harvey Barnes. In the games so far this season, the biggest impact he's really had is when he's come on as a substitute.

"He did himself no harm at all and I'd be amazed if it wasn't the same starting XI against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon."

Commentator Matthew Raisbeck agreed with Anderson, explaining the reasoning behind selecting Livramento ahead of a natural left-back such as Matt Targett.

"I put it to the manager [Eddie Howe] after the match, that Livramento played well at left-back last season," he said. "I think most of his best games were at left-back last season when Trippier was at right-back. This was before Lewis Hall broke into the team and finished so strongly at the end of last season."

While Raisbeck accepts the loss of Hall and Gordon hampers the Magpies' creativity, he is still backing Barnes to be a "match-winner" at Wembley on Sunday.

"They've got Livramento who's right-footed and Barnes who wants to cut in on his right, all the time," he said. "They lacked a natural left-sided player in that position so they were cutting in a lot and maybe that slowed down some of the attacks when they got into good positions.

"[But] I am really pleased that Barnes played a key role. He had two good chances to score - he's always a goal threat - and then laid on the winner for Bruno with that cross.

"I'm really pleased he played well because if he starts at Wembley, he could be the match-winner because he will always give you a moment. He will always create an opening for himself or for somebody else."

Full commentary of Liverpool v Newcastle from 16:30 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio Newcastle

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Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson believes that there is a goalscoring burden on striker Alexander Isak and that his midfield team-mates should be helping him out.

Bruno Guimaraes scored the Magpies' winner at West Ham on Monday night, prompting manager Eddie Howe to proclaim that his captain "loves to score goals".

Guimaraes has scored just three times in 2024-25.

"I think it's an interesting comment that Eddie Howe made, saying that Bruno loves to score, he enjoys scoring," said Anderson on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"He's only scored three goals all season.

"I think we should be scoring more goals from midfield, not just Bruno Guimaraes but Tonali, Joelinton. I think we need to score more goals from those positions.

"I think we rely really heavily on Isak and the fact that he can do that and he can create chances for other people as well.

"It was good to see him [Bruno Guimaraes] get into those advanced positions because he doesn't do enough of that for me.

"I think he showed when he first arrived that he can score goals when he gets in there but he hasn't done enough of that. He needs to do more of it."

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Newcastle sponsors Sela are giving bespoke scarves to every Magpies fan at Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

The company has funded 32,000 limited-edition scarves, which will be placed on seats at Wembley before the match.

The club say it is "one of the biggest of its kind at a single competitive football match and will create an imposing black-and-white wall of support behind Eddie Howe and the players".

Sela previously donated 6,000 scarves to travelling fans at last year's FA Cup Tyne-Wear derby victory at Sunderland.

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Former Newcastle defender John Anderson believes beating West Ham "was huge" for the Magpies before Sunday's Carabao Cup final, but Eddie Howe will have some big decisions to make when selecting his starting line-up to face Liverpool.

Hampered by injuries and suspensions, there were several changes for their trip to London Stadium, but will those players keep their spot at Wembley?

"To win was huge because you wouldn't want to go into the cup final off the back of another defeat," Anderson said on BBC Radio Newcastle. "But there's a lot of work to be done between now and Sunday.

"Howe's got decisions to make on who plays and who doesn't play. Harvey Barnes had his moments, but did he do enough? Joe Willock came on but he didn't really have long enough.

"Callum Wilson came on and hardly touched the ball. I thought Alexander Isak's movement - again - was excellent. He caused West Ham's defence all sorts of problems."

Commentator Matthew Raisbeck added: "There was a goalkeeper change as well as Nick Pope was back in.

"There are lots of little things you could look at and say they are positive, but to get the win before Wembley is exactly what Eddie Howe wanted, what everyone wanted for them."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Former Newcastle midfielder Keith Gillespie hopes players can turn the "hurt" of two years ago into "history" when they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

The Magpies' last domestic trophy was the FA Cup in 1955, while the club's last major silverware came in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, a competition that then had the guise of the Uefa Cup and is now the Europa League.

They have come close since, losing five domestic finals since the FA Cup win, including in the same competition two years ago to Manchester United.

Gillespie, who was part of the Newcastle team who finished second in the Premier League in 1995-96, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We had the final a couple of years ago where we probably just didn't turn up on that day and that might stand us in good stead for this game.

"A lot of these players who actually played two years ago will have been hurt on that day and it's not nice to lose a cup final and you remember those things. So, hopefully we'll turn up on the day and you know get that elusive trophy.

"It's always been mentioned [missing out on trophies] because it's such a long time. A club of that stature shouldn't really be going that long without winning a trophy.

"I know there's been other finals. There's been FA Cup finals in the 90s as well. That is something that does play on your mind. It'll be great for these players to be part of history, bringing a trophy back to St. James' for the first time in a long time.

"I remember when we actually came second, back in 95-96, you would have thought we actually won the league just from the celebrations that day. If we win the final [on Sunday], I'm sure they'll be celebrating for days, probably weeks.

"They deserve a trophy. In the past 20-30 years there's been ups and downs, relegations, cup finals, but the fans always stick by you. They're the best fans in the country by far. It will be a great occasion."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Newcastle are plotting a move for Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, 22, as the Englishman wants to stay in the Premier League amid his current club's struggles. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Former Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor, speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle about Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and the differences from the Magpies' 2023 final appearance against Manchester United:

"I think we got a little bit unsettled with goalkeeper situations and of no fault of [Loris] Karius, but if you've got someone like a Nick Pope or [Martin] Dubravka who knows the players inside out, it can make it a little bit easier.

"But we kind of went in hope rather than expectation because we hadn't been there in so long and we haven't won a trophy in so long.

"I think this year is a little bit different. We're going with more expectation now because we are mixing it with the bigger teams. So it's a little bit of a different feel to it this year. There's a lot of promise there that we can go there and lift the cup, which has been long overdue.

"On the player front, signings like Sandro [Tonali] and one or two other players have not half brought the team on.

"He's my favourite player. He could run the game at Wembley. I don't think someone like him would freeze. We've got that experience of being there and knowing what it's all about now.

"We are in a better place than we were two years ago."

Listen to the interview in full here

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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Newcastle United, as I live and breathe. You have hung on to stay in the conversation for Europe yet again.

Monday's victory against West Ham was not one for the ages. Not one I even remember well now, as I write this, apart from my key takeaway: we found a way to win.

It was not the prettiest way to win, or even the most exciting way to win, but it is three points on the board with a clean sheet.

Our first of a couple of wins this week in London? Maybe...

All eyes have to be on the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday. We take one game at a time in theory. We needed to win at West Ham for our season in the Premier League to be competitive and to keep the European dream alive - that is important for fans and players alike. I am delighted we found a way to do it!

But I would be lying if I said I did not watch that match with hands over my eyes, praying we did not lose anyone to injury before such a massive weekend.

Our captain Bruno Guimaraes even acknowledged in his post-match comments that the cup is a bit of a distraction. In fact, he said that to the players it is "like the World Cup". I love that understanding from him - he knows how important it is. It has been more than 70 years since Newcastle won a domestic cup, and even if the odds are not in our favour, we still believe.

Monday showed us we have the fight to do this. It will not be easy, and it might not be pretty, and it also might not be likely, but I think we can.

We found a way to win at London Stadium. Let's find a way at Wembley.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Monday's fine win at West Ham again underlined the importance of Bruno Guimaraes for Newcastle United.

His goal was key but his battling effort again shone through.

The midfielder now sits 34 clear of anyone else in the Premier League for drawing fouls. Such a margin shows he is either always in the thick of the action or is adept at knowing when to go down and relieve pressure.

Newcastle also have the league's joint-second most fouled player in Anthony Gordon.

The Toon are in the wars.

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Newcastle's Brazilian midfielder Joelinton says Sunday's Carabao Cup final "is going to be a great day" for everyone involved with the club.

Eddie Howe's side will look to end a 70-year wait for a major trophy when they take on Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley.

It is two years since their defeat to Manchester United under the arch, but the midfielder believes the team did learn from falling short and that can help them.

"We are very excited and I hope at the end we take the title back to Newcastle," said Joelinton to BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It means a lot. Playing in finals in big games is where we want to be as a team. I'm really happy and I hope at the end this time we can enjoy.

"Every game, every disappointment, you learn something from. It is the same for when you win or when you lose.

"It's a new game. We have another chance and we'll do our best to get the title.

"The most important thing is to win the game and win the title, for me that's most important and if I score, great, if not I'm happy if the team win."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your thoughts on West Ham's Premier League match against Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

West Ham fans

Rob: I don't think we played badly, but, the lack of a striker is evident. We have improved so much since the arrival of Potter and look more solid, organised and play much better football but we aren't clinical in the 18-yard box and it's costing us points.

Barry: Defensively pretty good, a bit static for the goal. Kilman definitely had two arms in the back from Isak. Bowen also unlucky not to get a pen. Overall lackluster and pretty toothless in the last third. Would have probably been a different game if Soucek put away his early chance.

John: Poor performance becoming the norm. We're heading for Championship football. The players' passing is very poor but it's the lack of intensity and willingness to fight for the badge that really annoys me. We need a Mourinho type manager not a nice boy.

Newcastle fans

Krishan: Ground out a result against 10 defenders and kept a clean sheet. These three points are priceless and I believe five more wins and we'll make fifth place. Happy for Barnes as he was decent throughout. They will need to play out of their skin on Sunday. Howay.

Chris: Not pretty but a vital and morale boosting victory before the final. It did feel like we were holding back slightly. When we did step it up we scored. We definitely need a left footed player on the left as we were relatively easy to defend against. Surprised at the West Ham display, barring the first minute I never really worried they would score. Onto the final. Up the Mags!

John: Newcastle did just enough to claim all three points. Perhaps there was an element of one eye on the next game!

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Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, spoke to Sky Sports after Monday's victory at West Ham: "Massive win, I think we want to fight for the Champions League again. It was a big win for us.

"Good to keep the clean sheet. Get the confidence back before the final. Massive win and happy for the team's performance.

"When we play like that, we show the character of the team. We can beat any team in the world. We just have to be consistent. We keep the clean sheet, we could score more goals, but the most important thing is the three points tonight."

On playing more forward: "The gaffer has given me more freedom to be in the box. Today it was a good goal. We worked that hard, and we have seen some videos of them struggling with some crosses."

On the League Cup final: "I think it is massive for the club's history, and we want to be part of it. We know were going to play against one of the best teams.

"Hopefully we can go to Wembley and get the title [League Cup].

"We have seen people - doubters. We are focusing on ourselves. Missing Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Sven Botman is not good for us, but we have players who can play well. Today we showed we have a strong squad.

"I believe that we can win. A final everything could happen. I believe our fans can make a difference for us. For us, it is like the World Cup. We want to make history for this club. It is a long time for the fans without a trophy.

"Isak at the moment, is the best striker in the world. Our midfield has been our strength."

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told BBC Sport after Monday night's win at West Ham: "One of our best wins of the season, not in terms of performance but desire and heart. All the big ingredients you need to be a successful team - a need to win when the game is tight and find a way to get over the line. We defended really well after the first three minutes which were a bit scary. Deserved win."

On the possibility of the Carabao Cup distracting the players: "That's why for me it was such a good win, it would be easy for the players to be distracted but they were present.

"Harvey did very well today. Lovely cross. Tino looked good at left-back.

"We'll focus fully on Liverpool now. We'll take everything into consideration.

"I felt we were in need of a win to go into the final with a real boost and lift. It will do us the world of good. Also for our league table position today was vital."

On whether he's glad he can focus on the final now: "Yes. These games, we learned this last time can be quite a long wait, when everyone is talking about it but you have massive games ahead. I'm pleased it's here and hopefully we can perform well."

Did you know? Newcastle are now unbeaten in their past six Premier League away games against West Ham (W4 D2), since a 2-0 loss in March 2019 under Rafael Benitez.

Arsenal are plotting a potential move for Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 27, from Newcastle. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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This is a huge week for Newcastle and they needed a positive result from this game to ensure they go into Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in the ideal frame of mind.

It was hard fought and not particularly pretty but the visitors got the job done to secure a victory at West Ham that was also important for Newcastle's Premier League form - as it propelled them to within two points of the top four.

With injuries and suspensions hitting Newcastle this was a chance for other players to step up and one of those to do just that was Harvey Barnes.

He provided the assist for the winner in the second half but he had also looked Newcastle's biggest threat in the first half and only two good saves denied him a goal.

It is a performance that will give boss Eddie Howe encouragement ahead of Sunday.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on West Ham's performance

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies

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Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley, speaking to BBC Look North about the club's appearance in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool:

"I will definitely be watching the cup final. I will be at Wembley and we're all looking forward to going - the whole family. We're really excited.

"There have been many good luck messages [to former colleagues]. I'm really hopeful. I will hopefully be speaking to Eddie [Howe, manager] to wish him and the team the best of luck.

"I'm so proud of the whole team."

• Staveley spoke on several topics, including the future of St James' Park and the progress of the women's team - listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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On BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport show, former Newcastle defender John Anderson responded to a fan question about Alexander Isak.

David texted to Total Sport to ask do you not think Eddie Howe might be tempted to not play Isak on Monday and simply just wrap him up for the cup final?

"I think if Isak's fit, I think he plays," Anderson said.

"I know the cup final is a huge game for us. It's an opportunity to win silverware, something that hasn't been done for a long, long time but Monday night is massive as well. We need to keep winning Premier League games because there's so much at stake. You want to finish in those European places.

"I can understand people wanting certain players wrapped up, I totally get that but I still think Monday night's a huge, huge game for us."

Listen to the latest: Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast

West Ham are showing signs of improvement under Graham Potter and are going for a third-straight win.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe's first problem is who is fit and available.

I don't think Howe will rest anyone ahead of next weekend's Carabao Cup final, because his side are still going for a top-five finish and it would be huge for the club if they make it back into the Champions League.

But there is a doubt over Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall is out for the season and Anthony Gordon is suspended after his red card against Brighton - I saw someone call him 'Rash Gordon' which is a great line.

All of that, on top of West Ham's current form, makes me think this will end up in a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tops off, bellies out, jumping in bodies of water. It's the Newcastle way.

On the latest Total Sport Newcastle United podcast, host Raul Kohli is joined by comedian Kai Humphries and the pair reminisce about the atmosphere around Milan ahead of the Champions League tie with the Italian giants last season.

That is before they begrudgingly delve into the disappointing recent results on and off the pitch as a "dark cloud" looms above Toon fans going into the Carabao Cup final next weekend.