Newcastle United

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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."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Liverpool v Newcastle at 16:30 on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to more from Howe talking to BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck on BBC Sounds

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.

Full squad here

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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

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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.

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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.

Reports in the Daily Mail on Friday suggest, external the Magpies intend to build a new stadium in the City's Leazes Park.

"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."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Arsenal are chasing a deal to sign Newcastle's 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer. (Sun), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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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

Total Sport Newcastle United podcast presenter Raul Kohli has offered players a rousing speech before the Carabao Cup final.

Listen to the podcast in full here

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."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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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

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.

Let us know here

Can Newcastle finally do it after years of heartbreak?

On the latest Total Sport: Newcastle United podcast on BBC Radio Newcastle, Chris Waugh from The Athletic joins the team to break down Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, the build-up and what this moment means for the club.

They also dive into what it is really like to report on the Magpies —the inside stories, the best and worst moments, and the pressure of breaking news.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

New Arsenal director of football Andrea Berta wants to make Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes one of his first signings. (AS - in Spanish), external

Barcelona also have 27-year-old Guimaraes high on their list of summer transfer targets. (Football Espana), external

Everton are considering a summer move for 27-year-old Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

BBC Radio Newcastle are entering the world of Makina again.

For those not familiar, it is a genre of music the North East has an affinity with.

MC Tazo has made tunes about Newcastle United before and once again he is teaming up with BBC Radio Newcastle to "boost happiness", while conceding the style is "not for everyone".

As for meeting Liverpool at Wembley, MC Tazo is confident although he thinks penalties may be needed.

Take a listen to his interview and his track by hitting play below or get it on BBC Radio Newcastle here.

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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