Liverpool face Newcastle in this season's EFL Cup final, with the Reds seeking to win their first major honour under Arne Slot, while Newcastle aim for their first EFL Cup win.
A win for Liverpool would also represent the first time they have won successive EFL Cups since their four-peat between 1981 and 1984.
How many times have Liverpool won the EFL Cup?
Liverpool have won a record ten EFL cups in their history, with Jurgen Klopp winning his second and the club’s most recent in 2024 against Chelsea, then managed by Mauricio Pochettino.
The Reds won their first EFL Cup in 1981. Remarkably, they would win another three in succession, as part of Liverpool’s domination of the 1980s. They added another in 1995.
In the 21st century, Liverpool have reached Wembley nine times, including 2025. They won the final in 2001, 2003, 2012, 2022 and 2024, but lost in 2005 and 2016.
The Reds are strong favourites to win an 11th League Cup and are priced at 4/6 to lift the trophy on Sunday afternoon.
Will Liverpool v Newcastle go to penalties?
Remarkably, four of Liverpool’s seven EFL Cup finals this century have ended in a penalty shootout. 2022, 2016, 2012 and 2001 have all ended in spot-kicks. The Reds have been victorious in three of these four shootouts.
Newcastle have reached two EFL Cup finals, one in 1976, and another in 2023. They have lost both matches, though neither were shootouts.
But Liverpool's history shows us that there is a significant chance of penalties being needed to decide this one.
The only question is whether Newcastle will be able to prevent Liverpool from brushing them aside in regular time, like they did just a few short weeks ago in their 2-0 defeat at Anfield.
When are Liverpool likeliest to score the winning goal?
Liverpool have often shown resilience and skill when breaking down the toughest defences in the league this season, with the Reds often taking all three points at the death.
Newcastle will likely set up to frustrate Slot's side, but Liverpool are well-poised to strike late to win it at the death.
This is likely for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Liverpool are an extremely intense side. Their energy, athleticism and determination often grinds teams down.
Secondly, Liverpool have excellent depth in their front three. At least two of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah cannot start each game, giving the Reds both quality and energy off the bench.
Which Liverpool player has scored against Newcastle the most times?
The current Liverpool player with the most goals against the Magpies is, rather predictably, Mohamed Salah.
Salah has scored ten career goals against Newcastle, and the Egyptian has never lost to Sunday's opponents in his eight seasons on Merseyside.
The mercurial winger has scored four goals in his last three appearances against Newcastle.
Darwin Núnez is one of the biggest changes in the Liverpool squad since 2022's final – Photo by Icon Sport
How many players from the 2024 EFL Cup final are still at Liverpool?
Liverpool's lack of transfer activity this summer raised many eyebrows, but the Reds' decision to keep their powder dry has been vindicated on the pitch this campaign.
With such dramatic change in the dugout, Liverpool have been well-served by stability in their playing staff.
As such, all of the key men from Liverpool's 2024 EFL Cup-winning side are still available.
If anything, the Reds are even stronger this time around, as they are not suffering from the same acute injury crisis they endured this time last season.
Curious about how Liverpool will strengthen this summer? Then take a look at the latest Liverpool transfer targets.
