Liverpool vs Newcastle combined XI: Magpies edge midfield battle but who joins Mo Salah and Alexander Isak up top in Carabao Cup final dream team?

The first major domestic trophy of the 2024-25 season is up for grabs on Sunday as Liverpool and Newcastle clash in the Carabao Cup final.

Defending champions Liverpool are seeking their 11th League Cup title and a first trophy for manager Arne Slot in his debut season at Anfield.

For Newcastle, they are looking to end a domestic trophy drought that has gone on for 70 years since their 1955 FA Cup win. The Magpies came close in 2023, losing in the EFL Cup final against Manchester United.

Eddie Howe is set to be without key players for Sunday’s game, including the injured Sven Botman and Lewis Hall. Anthony Gordon is also absent following the red card he picked up in their FA Cup loss to Brighton.

Slot will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold and also has concerns over Ibrahima Konate after both limped off during Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG on Tuesday night. This could force Liverpool into a reshuffle, with Jarell Quansah or Wataru Endo – or both – filling in at the back.

Read on for Mail Sport’s combined Liverpool and Newcastle XI.

Goalkeeper: Alisson

The Brazilian No 1 easily claims the starting spot in goal. He is simply one of the best keepers on the planet right now.

Alisson’s claimed eight Premier League clean sheets so far in the league as part of a Liverpool rearguard that has only conceded 27 goals. Only Arsenal have let in fewer top-flight goals this term.

Newcastle’s uncertainty over who will start between the sticks also troubles fans. Martin Dubravka has performed exceptionally in Nick Pope’s absence, but the Englishman has been sloppy since his return – suggesting the Slovakian could reclaim his spot for the final.

Right back: Kieran Trippier

Trippier has struggled for first-team football after being pushed out by the better performances of Tino Livramento.

But, with Livramento covering the injured Hall at left back, Trippier will continue on his preferred side.

Liverpool’s injury crisis at right back will likely prompt Quansah to deputise in the absence of Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley, a potential weak point to be exploited by Newcastle.

Centre back: Virgil van Dijk

One of the best defenders in the world, Van Dijk is an essential piece in Slot’s Liverpool side. His leadership, strength and reading of the game makes him nearly unbeatable.

Boasting 12 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, Van Dijk will be looking to lift his third EFL Cup trophy on Sunday.

Centre back: Fabian Schar

It’s a tough pick between Dan Burn and Schar but the Swiss has been more consistent for the Magpies.

In his seventh season for the club, Schar’s fusion of defensive solidity combined with an appetite for long-range scorchers highlights his ability to contribute to Newcastle all over the pitch.

Burn is often caught out by fast, technically astute players with a low centre of gravity, which could prove difficult for the Englishman on Sunday against Liverpool’s attacking force.

Left back: Andy Robertson

The Scotsman is in his seventh season with the Reds and continues to put in big shifts in defence.

Known for his darting runs down the left-hand side, Robertson has been playing a more conservative role this season under Slot, penetrating backlines less in preference of control.

As he begins to leave his prime years, Robertson will be eager to add another trophy to his collection before possibly being replaced in the summer transfer window.

Central midfielder: Sandro Tonali

For certain, the hardest part of picking this combined XI is the midfield three, with both sides boasting world-class trios.

Once dubbed Italy’s next Pirlo, Tonali has altered his playing style whilst at Newcastle, operating as the anchor between Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes – rather than as a box-to-box midfielder.

The Italian’s prominence following his return from a betting ban has allowed Howe to find a balanced midfield three which is unbeatable on its day for energy and intensity.

Tonali has played a big part in Newcastle’s upturn in form since December. with former Magpies defender Ryan Taylor claiming: ‘He could run the game at Wembley.’

Central midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister

An ever-present in Liverpool’s midfield, Mac Allister has been sensational this campaign for Slot’s side.

Striking up an excellent relationship with the revitalised Ryan Gravenberch, MacAllister’s tenacity and creativity oozes quality for Liverpool’s all-round game.

In the Premier League, the Argentinian ranks fourth for tackles won and fifth for blocks amongst all players, highlighting his proficiency in defence as well as attack.

Central midfielder: Bruno Guimaraes

Completing the midfield is Newcastle’s talisman Guimaraes, despite fierce competition from Gravenberch and Joelinton.

Guimaraes’ remarkable consistency and passion for Newcastle is unrivalled.

His trademark tenacity and stamina drive Newcastle forward no matter what minute of the game, which will be required on Sunday against a tough Liverpool outfit.

Right wing: Mohamed Salah

No debate here. Salah is on a different level right now, posting numbers the Premier League has never seen before.

Having played 29 games, the Egyptian has 27 goals and 17 assists to his name this league campaign amidst contract negotiations.

Salah will be hungry to rectify his rare below-par performance in the Champions League by securing Slot’s first trophy for Liverpool.

Livramento will be covering the injured Hall at left back… good luck taking on the leading Ballon d’Or contender.

Left wing: Luis Diaz

Arguably his goal involvements should be higher, but the Colombian is still enjoying a fruitful campaign for Liverpool.

His speed, first touch and directness will cause mayhem for Trippier at right back in the final.

Trippier will likely call on Jacob Murphy’s support to prevent being totally exposed.

Striker: Alexander Isak

On track to surpass his best goal tally (21) in the Premier League, Isak will be the vital focal point in Newcastle’s attack.

Although Isak has been nursing niggles throughout the season, expect him to be fit and firing for the final.

Konate’s potential absence could see Isak targeting the out-of-position Endo in Liverpool’s backline, which could prove to be a prosperous avenue for the Magpies and the Swede.