League Cup Final Promises Drama as Two Clubs Battle for Very Different Legacies
Liverpool will step into Wembley on Sunday with a golden opportunity to secure their first piece of silverware under manager Arne Slot, while Newcastle United aim to end a 70-year domestic trophy drought in the League Cup final — the first major final of the English football season.
Slot Eyes Dream Start to Liverpool Era
After a bittersweet midweek Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool are eager to bounce back by adding yet another League Cup to their overflowing cabinet. Slot’s side suffered a penalty shootout defeat (4-1) to PSG, ending hopes of a treble. But the League Cup offers a chance to reset.
Despite the European setback, Slot’s debut season has been highly successful, with Liverpool currently sitting 15 points clear atop the Premier League, edging closer to a record-equalling 20th league title.
“You play finals to win, and that’s our aim,” said Slot. “You don’t take these moments for granted in a league this competitive.”
Liverpool’s League Cup Dominance Continues
Liverpool have an impressive history in this competition, having already won a record 10 League Cup titles, including last season’s victory over Chelsea. A win on Sunday would mark their third triumph in four years, solidifying their dominance in the tournament.
However, Liverpool will have to contend without key right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who remains sidelined due to injury.
Slot, who will make his first appearance at Wembley, hopes his team can channel their energy into winning after the disappointment in Europe.
“This final couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s the perfect opportunity to lift the team spirit,” he added.
Newcastle Dreaming of Ending Decades of Disappointment
While Liverpool chase another addition to their rich trophy haul, Newcastle United are chasing a piece of history. The club has not won a major domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup, and their last major title of any kind came in 1969 with the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Since then, 30 English clubs have lifted trophies, while Newcastle have endured five painful final defeats, including the 2023 League Cup final loss to Manchester United.
Eddie Howe: “Chance to Make History”
Under manager Eddie Howe, Newcastle have undergone a dramatic transformation from relegation candidates to genuine contenders, following the club’s 2021 takeover by a Saudi-led consortium. The rebuild has brought success, including a Champions League qualification last season, but silverware remains elusive.
“We don’t see it as pressure,” said Howe. “It’s a chance to make history and be remembered by generations of Newcastle fans.”
Despite injury concerns and the suspension of key forward Anthony Gordon, Howe remains optimistic.
Key Absences Could Tip the Balance
Newcastle will miss Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles due to injuries, compounding the absence of Gordon. Liverpool, meanwhile, have a deeper squad and a stronger recent record — including a 2-0 Premier League win over Newcastle in February.
But Howe believes in his team’s resilience, stating:
“We’ve shown we can compete in big matches. We have a clear method and adaptability.”
