Liverpool v Newcastle: EFL Cup final prediction, tips and bet builder as Reds meet Magpies

Following their dramatic elimination from the Champions League, Liverpool’s treble hopes have turned into a somewhat underwhelming domestic double ambition.

Arne Slot seemed on track on conquer every title going, until a pesky PSG side edged the Reds in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Then again, who wants to win everything in their debut season anyway? There’d be no room for improvement if the Slot machine hit the jackpot at the first time of asking.  

Despite the European disappointment, this can still be a pretty impressive debut year should the Dutchman come away with a EFL Cup and Premier League double.

Trouble is, the Reds are up against Newcastle this weekend – yes, the same Newcastle side that is looking for their first trophy in 70 years.

Eddie Howe has done a sterling job since becoming Newcastle manager, but winning the club’s first trophy since 1955 would undoubtedly earn him legendary status.

Statue builders in the North East will be holding their breath as the Magpies look to end their 17-match winless run against the Reds.

Here, we take a closer look at Sunday’s fixture and pick out some of the best bets ahead of the EFL Cup final.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(All odds are correct at the time of article publication)

 

Liverpool vs Newcastle bet builder

Liverpool to win – 4/6

Both teams to score – 4/6

Mo Salah to score anytime – 19/20

Over 42.5 booking points – 4/5

 

Liverpool to win

Getting down to brass tax, you have to fancy Liverpool to get the job done.

While the Reds looked absolutely exhausted at the end of their penalty shootout defeat to PSG on Tuesday, Slot’s men have had enough time to recuperate and prepare for another big game.

The defeat to the Parisians was Liverpool’s first since their loss to Plymouth in the FA Cup back in February. It was also just their fifth defeat all season long.

Liverpool don’t lose many games and they certainly don’t lose back-to-back. What’s more, you have to respect their big game experience considering the vast number of finals that team has been through in recent seasons.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are coming into this game in the midst of a results slump. The Magpies have lost three of their last five outings across all competitions.

Howe’s men did pick up a 1-0 win over West Ham on Monday, but the match was rather flat and there wasn’t much to suggest that Newcastle’s dip was over.

The big occasion might bring out the best from the Magpies. Afterall, there aren’t many fans alive who remember the club lifting a major trophy.

However, no matter how game Newcastle might be, we expect Liverpool to show their final experience and claim a narrow win at Wembley.

 

Both teams to score

Matches between Liverpool and Newcastle rarely disappoint, with goals often coming thick and heavy.

The last three meetings alone have produced a total of 14 goals, with both teams scoring in two of those matches.

With a tight game in prospect, we’re backing a close encounter on Sunday. Both teams to score is the way to go in the betting.

 

Mo Salah to score anytime

Mo Salah has been a constant pain in Newcastle’s back side since the Egyptian arrived in the Premier League.

In 17 Premier League meetings against the Magpies, Salah has scored 10 goals and come up with eight assists. 

The forward is also in good recent form, scoring or assisting in nine successive domestic games. With that in mind, we’re putting our chips on a Salah goal on Sunday.

 

Over 42.5 booking points

We’re not sure what it is about this fixture, but four of the previous five meetings have all produced over 42.5 booking points. What’s more, two of those matches even forced the officials to dish out red.

Considering the big occasion and the pressure that comes with a cup final, we expect the ill-disciplinary trend to continue.

 

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