David Moyes has already told Eddie Howe how to solve Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon crisis at Newcastle

Eddie Howe faces a daunting challenge as Newcastle United prepares for their Carabao Cup final showdown against Liverpool. With just days remaining before the season’s biggest match at Wembley, a series of setbacks has significantly weakened the squad, leaving the Magpies with an uphill battle against one of the strongest teams in English football.

Anthony Gordon’s absence adds to the mounting problems after he received a red card in Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton. Hopes of overturning the suspension have been dashed, as the club confirmed it will not appeal the decision.

Losing a key attacking player ahead of such a crucial game further complicates Howe’s tactical approach, particularly given the magnitude of the challenge that awaits. Newcastle’s FA Cup elimination only increases the pressure, as the Carabao Cup now represents their only realistic chance of securing silverware this season.

Injuries have further depleted the squad, with Lewis Hall ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to an ankle injury. His absence leaves a significant gap in defense, particularly with Mohamed Salah set to test Newcastle’s backline at Wembley.

A weakened squad against a Liverpool side that has consistently dominated under Arne Slot only intensifies the difficulties ahead, forcing Howe to explore alternative solutions to keep his team competitive.

David Moyes previously highlighted a potential solution for Newcastle’s tactical setup. Following Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in November, Moyes praised two standout performers, emphasizing their effectiveness as a unit.

Joelinton and Joe Willock formed a formidable partnership, creating a balance that made Newcastle difficult to break down while also providing attacking potency.

Moyes acknowledged their contributions, noting how well they operated down the left flank and how their combination played a key role in Newcastle’s success.

Newcastle’s victories over Arsenal, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest during that period demonstrated the effectiveness of this tactical approach. In all three matches, Howe deployed Joelinton as a left-sided winger while Willock occupied the left side of a midfield three.

This setup provided defensive solidity while also allowing Newcastle to transition quickly into attack, making them a threat against top-tier opposition.

Given the current circumstances, revisiting this strategy could be crucial at Wembley, offering a tactical foundation capable of frustrating Liverpool and increasing Newcastle’s chances of causing an upset.

Without key players like Gordon and Hall, Newcastle must rely on a collective effort to overcome the odds. Howe’s ability to adapt and find the right balance will determine whether his side can rise to the occasion and challenge Liverpool.

Despite the difficulties, Newcastle’s resilience and past performances against strong opposition suggest that they still have the potential to compete if they execute their game plan effectively.

With the right tactical adjustments, they could turn adversity into an opportunity to make history at Wembley.