(Credit: Sky Sports / Imago / Getty Images)

Ben Palmer

Sat 15 March 2025 15:54, UK

Newcastle have been handed a massive opportunity to end their trophy drought against Liverpool after recent developments, according to Michael Dawson and Paul Merson.

Injuries have been the main talking point, ahead of Sunday’s (16 March) Carabao Cup Final clash between the Reds and the Magpies.

Newcastle will be without Lewis Hall, whilst Sven Botman has also been ruled out, meanwhile, Anthony Gordon will miss the final having been sent off against Brighton in the FA Cup.

However, their opponents have also received some troubling fitness updates, as Trent Alexander-Arnold will play no part in the final, and Conor Bradley is expected to miss the crucial match thanks to a muscle injury.

Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League in midweek after a marathon clash with PSG, which went the distance through extra time and penalties and is predicted to play a big role at Wembley as the game wears on.

Liverpool without Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘closes that gap’ for Newcastle

Speaking on Sky Sport Soccer Saturday Dawson, Merson and Rangers icon Kris Boyd debated Liverpool and Newcastle’s chances in the upcoming final.

The ex-Tottenham defender began by highlighting the issues the Reds would face without either of Alexander-Arnold, or Bradley at right-back, saying (12.43pm): “For me, Liverpool losing Trent now closes that gap and it gives Newcastle a real opportunity.

“They will have been absolutely delighted watching that [PSG] games, it couldn’t have gone any better for them, going to extra time, never want to see a player get injured of course in Trent, but the way he plays, big pitch, the passes he can have, and no Conor Bradley, this is an absolute dream for Newcastle…”.

A few minutes later, Boyd claimed Liverpool should not be tired for a final, but Merson countered that claim, as Wembley’s big pitch “takes it’s toll”, with the ex-Arsenal man saying: “No, I’m not having it.

“You’re playing at Wembley, it’s a big pitch. Wembley’s a big pitch, it takes its toll.

“You’ve still got the nerves… the longer this game goes on, the longer Newcastle stay into it I’d be shocked if we started getting into extra time and Liverpool started running over Newcastle.

“I’d be shocked. It’s just fact, it’s just the way it is.

“At the start of course it won’t, it’ll be a leveller, they’ll be fresh. [But] the longer this game goes on and Newcastle stay in the game it gives them more and more of a chance of winning.

“If this game goes to extra time I’d be shocked if Newcastle are hanging on.”

Conor Bradley may not be the long-term solution for Liverpool

Football Insider Verdict

Bradley has long been presumed to be the successor to Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool when he eventually leaves for Real Madrid.

However, the Northern Irish right-back’s injury history has become a concern in recent years.

Last season, Bradley missed 31 games thanks to both a back injury, and an ankle injury, whilst this term he has been out for 16 games, with the Carabao Cup final on Sunday set to make it 17.

There is no doubting the 21-year-old’s ability, but as the old saying goes, availability is the best ability, and Bradley is suffering in that department as of late.

Another solution to Alexander-Arnold’s departure has emerged from the Liverpool academy. Jarell Quansah broke through as a natural centre-back, but has struggled for form this season.

However, the England U21 international has filled in on the right, in the absence of both aforementioned right-backs, in recent weeks, and could use the opportunity to nail down a place in Slot’s defence long-term, should Bradley’s injury issues continue to limit his first-team minutes.