Exclusive: “This Is A Proper Battle.” – Former Newcastle Man Previews Liverpool Cup Final | OneFootball

By Brendan Doyle

This weekend sees The Reds return to Wembley looking to win Arne Slot’s first of what is hopefully two trophies this season and a record-extending League Cup triumph.

Dan Clubbe sat down with Liverpool-born former Newcastle United right-back Ryan Taylor for a special Oppo Preview show to discuss factors for both sides ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley between Liverpool and Newcastle United.

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Much of the momentum appeared to be swinging in Liveprool’s favour prior to this week as injuries and suspension hit Eddie Howe’s squad, however, a defeat at the hands of PSG, 120 gruelling minutes in the legs and an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold appear to have levelled the playing field somewhat and Taylor was also of the belief that it might’ve given the Magpies a boost.

“With Newcastle losing their left side and I think which is Liverpool’s best side that was put into the fear of Newcastle and Newcastle fans but I wouldn’t say it levels it because Mo Salah is still on the pitch as he’s the difference maker and he’s the player everyone looks out for but it doesn’t make Liverpool as strong without Trent Alexander Arnold just like it doesn’t make Newcastle as strong without Anthony Gordon so it’s going to be tough for Newcastle but it gives us more hope as Newcastle fans and see if that long-awaited cup can come to St James Park after so many years.”

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Newcastle were beaten in the Carabao Cup final two years ago and the long wait for silverware went on, therefore it’s a game with huge significance for the Toon and the former England Under 21 international couldn’t play that down…

“Sunday is going to be nuts. I was there two years ago which felt more like a day out but this time around it’ll be more of a feeling of let’s go and try to win some trophies, especially with the owners. I think two years ago the fans took over somewhere in London and they basically just had a laugh for two days and enjoyed it, but it’s about winning now.”

Whilst Newcastle’s squad has certainly improved in recent seasons, there remains one main threat in the shape of Alexander Isak and we asked Taylor just how much importance is placed on him ahead of Sunday…

“He’s not the only one, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, these lads are winners. You’ve seen how much it meant to them on Monday night to beat West Ham away when Bruno goes off he’s got his coat over his head and he can’t watch the last twenty or so minutes. They want to be winners, they’re internationals and I’d imagine they’ve come to Newcastle thinking it’s a huge club and a chance to play in the premier league. They also want to play in the best competitions and the only way you can do that is to be successful if you aren’t then there will be bigger clubs waiting and yes these players have big price tags but clubs will pay it and that’s what worries me because if we don’t get European football, especially the Champions League where everyone wants to play and then clubs will come knocking. Like you said before though, Alexander Isak would get into any team in the premier league he’s that good, I watch him a hell of a lot and on his day he really is that good. The traditional number nine is dying out a little bit so there will definitely be a number of clubs sniffing around if we don’t reach European football.”

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Finally, the matchup in midfield looks set to be a crucial one as Slot and Howe pits their wits against each other tactically, it’s impossible to imagine so much won’t depend on who can get the upper hand in the middle of the park…

“I was talking about that to a friend the other day and normally yes games are won and lost in midfield but this is a proper midfield battle I was at Anfield the other week when Newcastle played there and they barely laid a glove on Liverpool and they accepted Anfield is just a different animal. Wembley isn’t Liverpool’s ground so that evens it out but at Anfield, Newcastle didn’t have Joelinton and without him in the midfield it’s different, I’ve watched games when he’s played and games when he hasn’t and he’s a man mountain in midfield. I’m sure MacAllister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai will know that Joelinton is in there and not Joe Willock and that’s nothing against Joe Willock, Joelinton is just a big massive presence. That midfield three we’ve spoken about for Newcastle, on paper it’s just as good as any in the premier league despite how good Liverpool’s are, it’s mad because Sean Longstaff was a key player and keeping Sandro Tonali out because he couldn’t gel with the other two at first but now they understand each other and they’re unbelievable to watch so we certainly noticed the difference at Anfield when Joelinton wasn’t there. Come to Wembley when they’re all fit it makes Newcastle’s chances stronger and I’m looking forward to watching it.”