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Arne Slot predicts what Newcastle will do differently in their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool
Before Liverpool kicked a ball against Newcastle United, they were given a boost in learning that Alexander Isak wouldn’t be starting or on the away side’s bench at Anfield.
Instead, Callum Wilson started for Newcastle against Liverpool, a striker who is certainly capable of scoring himself, but one who isn’t quite match sharp right now.
And perhaps that might have even been the case were Isak fit, Liverpool were fairly comfortable during their 2-0 win against Newcastle, proving their status as the best team in the league.
Of course, Newcastle will need to overcome Arne Slot’s side if they are to win their first major trophy since 1955 – not counting their Championship win or Anglo-Italian Cup triumph in 1973.
Thankfully for Newcastle, Eddie Howe hopes that Isak will be fit for next month’s final, given he’s only out with a minor groin strain.
Arne Slot thinks Newcastle will change their approach at Wembley
That being said, when speaking to after Liverpool’s straightforward win against Newcastle, Slot made an interesting observation about Howe’s side.
The Dutchman noticed that Newcastle set themselves up slightly differently at Anfield on this occasion, perhaps alluding to the idea that it made them easier to beat.
READ MORE: £40m-rated defender says he nearly joined Newcastle for just £2m
Slot noted the absences of Isak and Joelinton as significant and then explained what he expected to be different when the sides meet at Wembley in March.
He said: “I don’t think that means so much because I saw a different Newcastle tonight than a few months ago. I don’t know if that is for a reason.
“Normally they press in a 4-5-1 and today they did a 4-4-2 and Isak and Joelinton were not there. We can expect something different in a few weeks.”
Alexander Isak and Joelinton both closing in on Newcastle injury return
Fortunately for Newcastle, Joelinton might be targeting a return alongside Isak for their FA Cup tie with Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.
It remains to be seen if their pair would be risked from the start given Newcastle’s priorities elsewhere, but it would certainly be a boost.
Before facing Liverpool, Howe gave an update on Joelinton and Sven Botman, two players they’ll desperately want to have fit for March 16.
Howe said: “Again with Joe, similar to Sven, he is really improving, doing really well, pushing. Again he is another player that will be close.”
Speaking before Wednesday’s tie, Slot praised two other Newcastle players, and next month’s tie at Wembley will certainly not be one to miss.