You've got to fancy Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final - but for both managers it’s an acid test of prioritising success over sentiment.

For Arne Slot, who suffered his first bump in the road at Anfield in the Champions League shoot-out defeat by Paris Saint Germain, the best way to bounce back is to pick his strongest team - starting with the goalkeeper.

Caoimhin Kelleher has been an able deputy for Alisson, but trophies are big business and if Slot wants to land his first piece of silverware, he needs to pick his No.1 keeper.

Eddie Howe braced to 'disappoint' Newcastle players amid major selection dilemma	Inside Newcastle's Carabao Cup celebrations: Stars douse manager Eddie Howe in champagne and Sean Longstaff drinks from the trophy - while fans on Tyneside dance around and climb atop Alan Shearer's statue	Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United to be without four players for Liverpool Carabao Cup final

Yes, there will be another one along soon when (not if) Liverpool win the title, but for any manager of a big club, the first trophy is the most important one.

And it’s the same answer: Go for your best keeper - which, in Newcastle’s case, is Pope.

It should be a close final where Alexander Isak’s duel with Virgil Van Dijk will be key, and instead of Anthony Gordon v Trent Alexander-Arnold we’re going to have Harvey Barnes v Jarell Quansah.

Newcastle chasing their first domestic trophy for 70 years has a nostalgic pull about it, but Liverpool fans call Wembley ‘Anfield South’ and I expect they will make themselves at home again.

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It's still on - the dream Europa League final where Manchester United meet Tottenham and one of them can salvage glory from a tortured season in the Premier League.

At Old Trafford, it’s been a big week with encouraging performances against Arsenal and Real Sociedad, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiling plans for a massive 100,000-seater new stadium.

And for Tottenham, finally nearing full-strength after a difficult winter plagued by injuries, there are finally signs of the ‘real’ Spurs emerging again with Micky Van de Ven and Dominic Solanke giving the team’s spine renewed power.

If United or Tottenham end a painful campaign back in the Champions League mainstream, how’s that for a bad season.

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