Scouser Tommies: Liverpool’s Title Push and the Wembley Test That Awaits

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Anfield Index

·15 Maret 2025

Scouser Tommies: Liverpool’s Title Push and the Wembley Test That Awaits

Liverpool vs Newcastle: League Cup Final Preview & Reflections on Recent Form

Liverpool are on the brink of another major trophy as they prepare to face Newcastle in the League Cup Final at Wembley. Jim Boardman and Jay Reid dissected Liverpool’s recent performances on the Scouser Tommies podcast, reflecting on their Champions League exit, their resilience in the Premier League title race, and what to expect against Newcastle.

🆕 MILK AND NO HONEY: #ScouserTommies 🎤 @JimBoardman is joined by @jayreid1987 to discuss all things #LFC Listen Now: https://t.co/a8CMrMoyVC
– Jumat, 14 Maret 2025

Champions League Exit: A Learning Experience for Liverpool

Discussing Liverpool’s recent Champions League exit, Jay Reid acknowledged the disappointment but suggested that the timing of elimination might not be the worst outcome:

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“If you’re going to go out, this round was probably the one to go out in because the deeper you get, the closer you get to the prize, and it hurts a bit more.”

Liverpool bowed out on penalties, with Reid pointing out key factors that contributed to their downfall:

“As we ticked into extra time, we’d lost Trent with injury, we took Ibou off, we took Mac Allister off… three of your top penalty takers were not on the field.”

The atmosphere at Anfield played a role in the high-pressure environment, particularly for younger players. As Reid noted:

“It was very emotional in the ground… There’s players who haven’t properly experienced that.”

Despite the loss, both agreed that the experience could benefit Arne Slot’s squad in the long run.

Resilience in the Premier League & Darwin Núñez’s Impact

Liverpool’s response to their Champions League disappointment was crucial, particularly in their recent victory over Southampton. Jim Boardman highlighted the importance of Liverpool’s ability to bounce back, even after uncharacteristic errors from Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker:

“A once-in-a-lifetime thing almost, for both Virgil and Ali to be messing things up… but then we responded in the way this Liverpool side has.”

A standout performance in that game came from Darwin Núñez, who encapsulated his unpredictable Liverpool career in 65 minutes:

“He lost his head, nearly got sent off, did some mad things, did some great things, had loose touches, had great touches… and he won a penalty.”

While speculation surrounds Núñez’s future, Reid believes the Uruguayan still has a role to play this season:

“He will have a part to play between now and the end of the season… We might just need him to pull out a winner or make a change in a game that shifts the momentum.”

League Cup Final: Liverpool’s Mentality vs. Newcastle’s Hunger

Attention now turns to Wembley, where Liverpool will look to defend their League Cup title against Newcastle. The Magpies, who haven’t won a major domestic trophy since 1955, will be desperate to break their long drought.

Liverpool’s experience could prove decisive, as Reid emphasised:

“The lads we’ve got on our team… have been there and done it. They’ve won trophies, they’ve played on this stage before.”

One concern is squad depth, particularly at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out. Boardman noted Arne Slot’s consideration of alternative options, including Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones:

“I just totally assumed it would be Quansah… I didn’t even think of other options.”

Reid, however, remained confident:

“Quansah will probably be in pole position to play right-back. He’s come on in the last few weeks to manage Trent’s minutes, so it’s the obvious choice.”

Prediction: Liverpool’s Experience to Prevail

Boardman and Reid both expect a Liverpool victory, with Boardman predicting a 2-0 win and Reid opting for 3-1. Salah’s performance will be key, with Reid believing the Egyptian will step up:

“No bigger game, no bigger player than Mo Salah… The tears from midweek will soon be forgotten.”

With Liverpool thriving in high-pressure matches, the Scouser Tommies hosts believe the Reds will rise to the occasion, adding another trophy to their collection and setting the tone for the season’s final stretch.