Liverpool v Newcastle: Shearer picks ‘crucial’ battle as EFL Cup prediction made
Alan Shearer is confident about Newcastle’s chances of emerging victorious against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
Liverpool will look to clinch their first trophy under Arne Slot when they lock horns with the Tyneside-based club on 16 March, with the Carabao Cup being the only cup competition they remain in.
Newcastle, for their part, have set their sights on winning their first piece of silverware at domestic level in 70 years.
The Magpies go into the game on the back of a 1-0 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League, while the Anfield outfit are downbeat after being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by PSG on Tuesday, 11 March.
Shearer talks up Virgil van Dijk v Alexander Isak battle
Looking ahead to the game, Shearer stressed the need for Newcastle to deny Liverpool players any space to work the ball in as they did in the 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park in the Premier League in December.
The Magpies legend predicted that Eddie Howe and Co will emerge victorious in the game, but believes the battle between Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak will be “crucial” to the result.
| Date | Competition | Result |
| 26 February 2025 | Premier League | Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle |
| 04 December 2024 | Premier League | Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool |
| 01 January 2024 | Premier League | Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle |
| 27 August 2023 | Premier League | Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool |
| 18 February 2023 | Premier League | Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool |
He described both their seasons as “wonderful”, although he hopes to see the Swede get the better of the Reds’ captain on Sunday.
“Newcastle need to deny Liverpool any space, play like they did against them at St James’ Park when it ended 3-3”, Shearer wrote in his column on the Betfair website (14 March).
“That was great. Two teams going head-to-head.
“Hopefully Isak gets the better of Van Dijk. That’s a crucial battle between two players who are having a wonderful season.
“Newcastle’s big players have to turn up and if they do, they can win it. There’s no doubt about it.
“Prediction: Newcastle to lift the trophy.”
Liverpool eye Carabao Cup glory after PSG setback
Liverpool are on course to win the Premier League as they sit 15 points clear at the top of the table with nine games left to play.
However, considering the season they are having, Slot and Co will be disappointed to end the season with just the league title.
The Reds will still be beating themselves up over the fact that they failed to defend a one-goal lead against PSG in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Anfield on Tuesday.
With the EFL Cup being Liverpool’s only shot at winning a cup competition this term, they will be determined to emerge victorious against Newcastle.
However, it remains to be seen if all of their best players can regain full fitness in time for the game at Wembley after playing 120 minutes against PSG.