Liverpool vs Newcastle: Carabao Cup final predicted lineups, team news and injuries | Football

Liverpool and Newcastle United meet in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley this afternoon.

The Reds are back to defend their crown after beating Chelsea in last year’s final but there are injury concerns for the Premier League leaders.

Arne Slot’s side saw their treble hopes go up in smoke on Tuesday night after they were dumped out of the Champions League on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain.

While the league title appears to be in their grasp, they will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold this afternoon.

The England international was forced off midway through the second-half at Anfield against PSG, appearing to jar his knee as he slid in on Portuguese midfielder Vitinha.

He was replaced by Jarell Quansah shortly after with Slot confirming on Friday his right-back is likely to miss out.

To compound their problems at right-back, Alexander-Arnold’s regular deputy Conor Bradley is also still sidelined having been left out of the Northern Ireland squad for upcoming games against Switzerland and Sweden.

With Joe Gomez also absent, it could see Quansah fill in at right-back.

Ibrahima Konate meanwhile hobbled off the pitch during extra-time but the France international has been passed fit and will be expected to keep his place in the side today.

Elsewhere, Cody Gakpo returned from his knock at the weekend and could come back into the side ahead of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.

Newcastle fell short in their last Carabao Cup final against Manchester United two years ago and are chasing their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

Eddie Howe will be without Anthony Gordon with the former Everton winger suspended as a result of the red card he was shown in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton.

Lewis Hall meanwhile has been ruled out for the rest of the season following foot surgery with Sven Botman absent once again, requiring yet more knee treatment.

Alexander Isak has been in incredible form this season but injury concerns have never been too far away. The Sweden international started in last Monday’s Premier League game against West Ham United but came off in the 79^th minute for Callum Wilson.

Howe eased any fresh injury concerns over the striker, however, insisting Isak came off because ‘he was tiring’ with ‘no fresh issues’.

Predicted Liverpool XI to face Newcastle

Alisson, Quansah, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Diaz

Predicted Newcastle XI to face Liverpool

Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Barnes

Where to watch Carabao Cup final? Kick-off time and TV channel

Liverpool vs Newcastle kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday 16 March.

Live coverage will be available on ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. You can also stream the match via ITVX, the Sky Go app and NOW TV.

MORE: Arsenal vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineups and injuries

MORE: Pep Guardiola rates Man City’s top four chances after Brighton draw

MORE: Paul Merson makes confident Arsenal vs Chelsea Premier League prediction