Liverpool v Newcastle: Paul Merson offers late Carabao Cup prediction – ‘Wow’
Liverpool have to forget about being knocked out of the Champions League and put all their efforts into the Carabao Cup final now.
In a season that has been full of highs for the Reds, Liverpool have had a difficult week as they were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties.
Arne Slot’s men had to play 120 minutes before being knocked out on spot kicks by Paris Saint-Germain, taking more energy out of the players and the game has also left them without Trent Alexander-Arnold for the final after he picked up an injury.
Paul Merson offers Liverpool v Newcastle prediction
In a week leading up to the final, it’s certainly not the outcome Liverpool needed by any stretch of the imagination.
On the other hand, Newcastle were victorious over West Ham on Monday (10 March) and have come out of the week unscathed with Alexander Isak fit to be a threat up front.
Although results from the week won’t be the deciding factor in the tie, there is some concern that recent events could catch up with the Reds and it has lowered the confidence of some.
Paul Merson admitted that while he sees Liverpool narrowly edging it, if the game goes to extra-time, it could spell disaster for Liverpool again.
Posting on his X account (16 March), the pundit said: “The cup final. Wow what a day, what a day to play a cup final. Hard one to call. I think Liverpool probably win in 90 minutes, just.
“But if this goes to extra-time then I think then it will start to tell, those two games against PSG and the extra-time as well and then the penalties and getting beat makes it even worse.
“So I think Liverpool will win it in 90 minutes, if they don’t then it goes to extra-time and I think Newcastle win.”
Slot eager for first Liverpool trophy
Slot has adapted to life on Merseyside with absolute ease and his side losing just one Premier League game this season is certainly representative of that.
| Liverpool | Newcastle |
| LWWWW | WLLWL |
Sitting 15 points clear at the top of the table suggests that it’s a matter of when not if for the Reds to win the league title, but the Merseyside club wants more.
After being knocked out of the Champions League and the FA Cup, the League Cup is the only other thing up for grabs for Liverpool this season and the boss will be eager to get his hands on a first trophy.
The Reds may be the favourites but Newcastle will be ready to give it all they’ve got too, in the hope of ending their long wait for a trophy.
As Merson says, should Liverpool have to face extra-time again on Sunday (16 March), that could be where the nerves start to creep in with fears of a repeat of Tuesday’s game.