Liverpool v Newcastle: Carragher changes his mind over Carabao Cup prediction
Liverpool may be having an excellent season under Arne Slot but they come into the Carabao Cup final in difficult circumstances.
The Reds crashed out of the Champions League to PSG on Tuesday (11 March) after losing on penalties, with the game finishing 1-0 to their opponents on the evening and 1-1 on aggregate.
Liverpool had to play 120 minutes of football before the penalty shootout and an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold during the game means they do not have him available for action.
Jamie Carragher offers Liverpool prediction
Arne Slot has taken no time to settle into life at Liverpool and the fact his side have already made a domestic final is representative of that.
The Premier League trophy also looks to be a matter of when not if for the Reds, who sit 15 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.
Slot’s side certainly had a difficult Champions League tie but, despite playing at Anfield, they weren’t able to get the job done.
Going out on penalties is a cruel way to go, especially when the players had to get through 30 extra minutes of playing.
As a Liverpool man himself, it’s no surprise that Carragher has faith in Slot and his men to bring the trophy back to Merseyside.
However, the pundit admitted that after Tuesday’s action, he thinks it will be a tighter game than initially anticipated.
However, while he has altered his stance slightly, Carragher still expects Liverpool to win.
Giving his prediction for Sky Sports Super Six, Carragher said: “Liverpool will just edge it. I thought it would be more comfortable, but with injuries and extra time, I think it’ll be tighter. Prediction: 2-1.”
Slot needs Liverpool to bounce back with first trophy win
It may not have been an ideal week for Liverpool, but given how many points clear they are in the Premier League table, and having lost just one game this season in the competition, it would be extremely unlikely to see them throw away the title at this stage.
However, the Champions League defeat was certainly not what Slot’s men needed coming into this game, especially having gone to extra-time first.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| Liverpool | 45% | 19 | 3 |
| PSG | 55% | 21 | 8 |
In addition to that, Alexander-Arnold picking up an injury is a massive blow for the Reds that Newcastle will be eager to exploit at Wembley Stadium.
The Magpies come into this game having beaten West Ham on Monday (10 March) and also have the firepower of Alexander Isak fit and ready to go.
Liverpool will still be favourites but Newcastle certainly won’t be a side that is going to roll over for the Reds to win the trophy.