Liverpool and Newcastle United clash at Wembley with the first silverware of the season up for grabs in the Carabao Cup final. Newcastle have not won a major domestic trophy in 70 years and the Magpies will travel down to London with high hopes of ending one of the longest droughts in British sport.

Alexander-Arnold is the most high-profile absentee, with Liverpool’s vice-captain injuring his ankle during Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain. Slot has confirmed that he has faith in the 26-year-old playing again this season, though.

For Pep Lijnders, that day meant has much to him as anyone due to his involvement in bringing through young players at Liverpool. Speaking to Liverpool.com ahead of the 2025 Carabao Cup final, Slot has shared that he texted the former Reds coach after their victory over Chelsea as he knew how much that win meant to him.