Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Mar 15: As Liverpool and Newcastle United gear up for this weekend’s Carabao Cup final, the Premier League race intensifies with just eight games left before England’s first silverware of the season is claimed.
Liverpool heads to Wembley as the strong favourite but faces a challenge in lifting spirits after a painful Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties at Anfield. Fatigue could be a factor for Jurgen Klopp’s side, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley sidelined due to injuries.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will be without key attacker Anthony Gordon, who serves the second of his three-match ban following a red card in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
Despite Liverpool’s comfortable 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League, the battle for Champions League qualification remains fierce. Arsenal and Chelsea, both struggling with injury concerns, face off in a crucial clash on Sunday. Arsenal is without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, while Bukayo Saka won’t return until after the international break. Chelsea, missing Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, will need patience in what is expected to be a tight contest.
Brighton, enjoying a four-game winning streak, travels to face Manchester City, who have struggled for consistency under Pep Guardiola. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest looks to maintain its cushion over Newcastle in the race for Europe as it visits struggling Ipswich Town.
Bournemouth eyes a European spot but must overcome Brentford at home to break a three-match winless streak. Fulham hosts Tottenham in what promises to be a balanced encounter, with Fulham’s strong defense giving them a slight edge.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, buoyed by a 4-1 Europa League win over Real Sociedad, visits Leicester City. The Foxes, managed by former United assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy, aim to upset their visitors as they fight to climb the table.
With silverware at stake and European spots up for grabs, this weekend promises high-stakes action across English football.