Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United Carabao Cup final starting XI – here’s who I picked

Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of modern life, influencing everything from daily tasks to complex decision-making processes. Its reach now extends to the world of football, where AI tools are being used to analyze team selections, predict outcomes, and even offer insights into tactical decisions.

With the Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Liverpool on the horizon, we turned to X’s AI platform, Grok, to predict how Eddie Howe might line up his Magpies side as they aim to end a 70-year trophy drought. The last time Newcastle lifted a domestic trophy was in 1955, and the pressure is on Howe to deliver a historic victory at Wembley.

One of the biggest decisions Howe faces is in goal. Martin Dubravka has been instrumental in Newcastle’s journey to the final, but Nick Pope, the team’s usual No. 1, has recently returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury.

Grok predicts that Pope will get the nod, citing his experience and Howe’s apparent trust in him for high-stakes matches. Despite conceding seven goals in his three appearances since returning, Pope kept a clean sheet against West Ham, handling the limited pressure with ease. His commanding presence and ability to perform in big games make him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s formidable attack.

At right-back, Kieran Trippier is almost certain to start. A consistent performer when fit, Trippier played the full 90 minutes against West Ham and has shown no lingering effects from a minor knock sustained earlier in the month. His set-piece delivery and defensive intelligence will be crucial, especially with Liverpool missing Trent Alexander-Arnold. Trippier’s ability to exploit gaps in Liverpool’s defense could prove pivotal in this high-stakes encounter.

In central defense, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are expected to form the partnership. With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined due to long-term injuries, Schär and Burn are Howe’s only senior options. Schär’s ball-playing ability and Burn’s aerial dominance have helped them build a solid partnership, as evidenced by their clean sheet against West Ham. They will face a stern test against Liverpool’s attacking duo of Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, but their recent performances suggest they are up to the task.

Tino Livramento is predicted to start at left-back, following Lewis Hall’s season-ending ankle injury. Livramento impressed against West Ham, particularly in his battle with Jarrod Bowen, whose playing style is similar to Salah’s. Howe praised Livramento’s synergy with Harvey Barnes on the left flank, and his pace and defensive skills make him the ideal choice to handle Liverpool’s attacking threats. Matt Targett is available as a backup, but Livramento’s recent form has likely secured his spot.

In midfield, Grok anticipates that Howe will stick with the trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton. Tonali’s energy and tackling ability were on full display against West Ham, where he won key duels and disrupted the opposition’s rhythm.

Guimarães, the team’s captain, brings composure and precise passing, qualities that were instrumental in Newcastle’s semi-final victory over Arsenal. Joelinton, recently back from injury, looked sharp against West Ham, offering physicality and versatility. This balanced midfield unit is expected to start, with Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock providing options from the bench.

On the right wing, Jacob Murphy is predicted to retain his place. With Anthony Gordon suspended, Murphy has been a regular starter and delivered a crucial goal in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal. His work rate and recent form make him a reliable choice, although Valentino Livramento remains an alter

native. On the opposite flank, Harvey Barnes is expected to start after making his first league start in three months against West Ham. Barnes provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s winning goal and impressed with his link-up play with Livramento. His directness and finishing ability could exploit Liverpool’s makeshift right-back, likely Jarell Quansah.

Leading the line will be Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s talisman and top scorer this season. Despite limping off against Brighton, Howe confirmed that Isak was merely fatigued and not injured. The Swedish striker played the full match against West Ham, scoring the decisive goal from a Barnes cross.

With 22 goals in 31 appearances this season, Isak is Newcastle’s biggest threat and will be eager to make an impact against Liverpool’s defense, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s fitness in doubt. Callum Wilson, recently back from injury, will likely start on the bench.

As Newcastle prepare for their first major final in over two decades, Howe’s team selection will be crucial. The predicted lineup, as analyzed by Grok, reflects a blend of experience, form, and tactical balance. With key players stepping up and the squad showing resilience in the face of injuries and suspensions, Newcastle will be hoping to make history at Wembley and finally end their long wait for silverware. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and the Magpies will be relying on their stars to deliver when it matters most.