Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer does not believe Arne Slot will make planned changes in the Carabao Cup final after being "punished" in the FA Cup last weekend.

The Reds suffered a 1-0 loss away to Championship side Plymouth Argyle after Slot named a weakened team at Home Park. But Shearer feels that will only make Liverpool doubly determined to lift the Carabao Cup instead now.

Shearer, speaking to Betfair, said: "I would much prefer for them to play Spurs in the Cup Final rather than Liverpool - particularly with what Liverpool have just had happen to them in the FA Cup, with Arne Slot resting everyone and losing to Plymouth.

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"He was punished for that decision and maybe he was planning to make some changes in the Carabao Cup final. I suspect he won't now, because of that. That's going to be a really tough one - I know Liverpool are the best team in the country."

Shearer feels that the Carabao Cup is a major opportunity for Newcastle still though. He said: "I don't know if it would be a failure if they didn't win any silverware this season, but they've got a great opportunity to take and grasp.

"Newcastle have got the opportunity to go and win that trophy and are sitting pretty in the FA Cup. They've got a home draw in the fifth round against Brighton, so things are looking good and the main thing is that they keep everyone fit. Two years ago, in the Carabao Cup final against Man Utd, there were suspensions and injuries. We can't afford for that to happen again, they need all of their big hitters to be fit - that's the key between now and then."

The 2-0 loss to Manchester United in 2023 was a bitter pill to swallow for Newcastle at Wembley, but Shearer feels it will make the Magpies stronger.

Shearer told the betting website: "I think having the experience of going to Wembley two years ago and sampling the atmosphere, feeling all of it will help. It won't be such a new thing, because the vast majority of players in this squad were there then. They'll know what to feel, and what to expect. It should stand them in good stead. Having said that, they're going up against the best team in the country in Liverpool, so they'll know what it's like.

"Liverpool is a club which is about having to win trophies - they know what it's all about. They've been there and done it. They're up against it, but with Newcastle's first choice XI then no doubt about it, they can win it."