Liverpool will exploit UEFA rule loophole v Newcastle United – if this happens against PSG tonight

Newcastle United will face a significant challenge in the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, as they will be without several key players due to injuries and suspension.

The absence of Lewis Hall and Sven Botman, both sidelined with injuries, has already weakened the squad, and the suspension of Anthony Gordon adds further complications. Gordon received a red card during Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, triggering a three-match ban that spans multiple competitions.

Despite the FA Cup exit, Gordon’s suspension carries over to Premier League and Carabao Cup fixtures, leaving Newcastle to cope without one of their most influential attackers.

Gordon served the first game of his ban during Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Monday night and will miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday. His suspension will also extend to the Premier League clash against Brentford after the international break.

FA regulations stipulate that while yellow card suspensions are competition-specific, red card suspensions apply across all domestic competitions. This rule has sparked debate, as it imposes additional penalties on teams already eliminated from a tournament.

For example, Fabian Schar’s three-match ban earlier this season, following his red card against Southampton, included a Carabao Cup fixture, allowing him to miss only two Premier League games. This inconsistency has left many questioning the fairness of the current system.

In contrast to domestic rules, UEFA operates under different regulations for red card suspensions in European competitions. A player sent off in a UEFA tournament, such as the Champions League, serves a one-match ban in the next UEFA fixture, rather than domestic games.

For instance, if a Liverpool player were to receive a red card in their Champions League second-leg match against Paris Saint-Germain, they would only miss the subsequent Champions League game, not any Premier League or Carabao Cup fixtures.

Liverpool currently hold a narrow 1-0 lead heading into the second leg at Anfield, and their focus will be on advancing in Europe while maintaining their domestic form.

While Newcastle grapple with suspensions, Liverpool have avoided similar issues ahead of the Carabao Cup final. However, Darwin Núñez’s recent conduct has raised eyebrows.

During Liverpool’s Premier League win over Southampton, Núñez escaped with a yellow card after kicking out at Kyle Walker-Peters, a challenge many felt warranted a straight red. BBC 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton described the incident as “reckless” and “daft,” suggesting Liverpool were fortunate to finish the match with 11 players.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock echoed these sentiments, labeling Núñez’s actions as “cowardly” during Sky Sports’ Ref Watch segment. Despite the controversy, Núñez remains available for selection, giving Liverpool a full-strength attacking lineup for the final.

In terms of squad availability, Liverpool are in a relatively strong position compared to Newcastle. While the Magpies will be without four key players, Liverpool are expected to have only two absentees: Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, both sidelined with injuries.

Barring any last-minute setbacks, Jürgen Klopp will have a near-complete squad to choose from as they aim to defend their Carabao Cup title. Liverpool’s victory over Chelsea in last season’s final marked their ninth triumph in the competition, and they will be eager to add a tenth trophy to their collection.

For Newcastle, the Carabao Cup final represents a rare opportunity to end their long wait for silverware. The Magpies last reached the final in 2023, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, and have never won the competition in its current format.

Despite the setbacks caused by injuries and suspensions, Eddie Howe’s side will be determined to make history at Wembley. The absence of Gordon, Hall, and Botman will undoubtedly test the squad’s depth, but Newcastle have shown resilience throughout the season and will look to rise to the occasion.

As the two teams prepare for Sunday’s showdown, the contrasting circumstances surrounding their squad availability add an intriguing layer to the narrative. Liverpool, with their wealth of experience and near-full-strength squad, enter the match as favorites.

However, Newcastle’s determination to overcome adversity and secure a historic victory could make for a compelling contest. The stage is set for a thrilling Carabao Cup final, with both teams eager to etch their names into the competition’s storied history.