Liverpool are massive Carabao Cup final FAVOURITES after Newcastle put out official statement

Liverpool are now overwhelming favourites to win the Carabao Cup final after Newcastle United's latest statement.

Liverpool will shortly attempt to win their first trophy under Arne Slot. The Dutchman has taken his side al the way to the Carabao Cup final where they'll face a Newcastle United side hoping to win their first trophy in decades.

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And so Slot's first trophy could well be the same as Jurgen Klopp's final trophy. Klopp led Liverpool to an unlikely victory last year, beating Chelsea at Wembley with a heavily depleted squad.

The German actually called that his favourite trophy win, such was the youth in the team. It was a magnificent achievement and one that really made this competition feel special to Liverpool again.

Now Slot can retain the trophy for the Reds, giving him his first medal and hopefully a platform onto which further silverware can flow. But first, they've got to get past Newcastle.

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The Reds received a boost in that regard this weekend as Anthony Gordon received a straight red card against Brighton. He's now suspended for three domestic games, including the Carabao Cup final.

And just a few short days later, they've received another advantage.

Lewis Hall out

Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall is now out for the rest of the season. Newcastle United released a statement on Wednesday confirming that fact.

Hall will now undergo surgery after advice from a specialist and it leaves Eddie Howe's team light. Hall, after all, was brilliant against Liverpool in the league as he gave Mo Salah a magnificent challenge.

He's also a player Liverpool really like. Anfield Watch exclusively revealed last month that Hall is viewed as someone who could make an instant impact as the club's new left-back.

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Newcastle can't count on him against Salah this time around, however. Hall will be missing along with Gordon - and they still might not be the only ones.

Alexander Isak is battling injuries right now and his loss would feel like the final nail in the coffin for Newcastle. Though, Liverpool will know to be wary.

This is all getting a little too much and the Reds feel like overwhelming favourites. It's essentially the reverse of last year - and we all saw how that went.

So while Liverpool are clear favourites for the final they can't possibly get complacent. Otherwise, they could well view the 2024 celebrations from the other side.

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