Liverpool vs Newcastle United: League Cup final result predicted by supercomputer
Liverpool will aim to clinch their first trophy of the season on Sunday when they face Newcastle United in the EFL League Cup final.
Liverpool are cantering towards this season’s Premier League title as they are 15 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
While their UEFA Champions League dream was brought to an end at Anfield midweek as PSG eliminated the Liverpool on penalties, the Reds still have a solid chance of winning two trophies this season.
Liverpool will take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at the Wembley Stadium as the Reds aim to win their 11th EFL League Cup in the club history.
Liverpool favourites to win League Cup
Liverpool enter the final on the back of a disheartening defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League which saw them crash out of the competition.
Newcastle United won 1-0 away at West Ham on Monday and arrive in positive spirits for the game.
Arne Slot has a chance of guiding Liverpool to two trophies in his debut season as manager of the Merseyside club.
The Magpies are hoping to win their first trophy under their new owners after being denied the EFL Cup in 2023 against Manchester United.
Howe’s men are at the same crossroads again as they would like to secure their first piece of silverware post the 2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup.
As Slot’s side gear up for the clash, Opta’s supercomputer has predicted the outcome of the final. As per the supercomputer, the Reds are unarguably the favourites to win the League Cup as they have a 58 per cent chance of winning.
Newcastle United have been given a 20 per cent chance to win the trophy, whereas the supercomputer predicts a 20 per cent likelihood of a draw and a winner being decided through penalties.
Injury concerns for Arne Slot
Right-back and Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered an ankle injury against PSG and was forced to come-off in the second half.
After the game, Slot indicated that Alexander-Arnold’s injury looks serious and he is unlikely to feature in the League Cup final – news that has now been confirmed.
In the same game, centre-back Ibrahima Konate was also brought off in the extra-time but Slot indicated it was more because of Konate being tired rather than being injured.
Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are also unavailable, leaving Slot with minimal options in defence.
In fact, the Dutchman doesn’t have enough resources at right-back and may have to use Konstantinos Tsimikas there, but his side are strong favourites nonetheless.