It's amazing to think that the last time Newcastle United ventured to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final in 2023, Alexander Isak was a mere substitute.

The Sweden international at that time was recovering from a thigh problem that left him restricted to game-time. Eddie Howe started him on the bench two years ago, but if he's fit he will be very much leading the line beneath the Wembley arch.

It was against Manchester United that Isak came on at half-time but could not get into the game and didn't manage a shot. This time around the striker will be hoping for much more and to many he is one of Newcastle's only hopes of success against Liverpool.

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When asked if Isak will be hungry to make up for Wembley disappointment last time around, Howe said: "He is very very motivated to score. That is one of the things that is so good about him, the same with Callum Wilson.

"They’ve got that desire to score in every moment, in every training session. Goalscorers have that mentality and he’s got it, so hopefully he is able to take his place on the pitch and do that."

Isak came off in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup with tightness but the rumour mill went into overdrive in the aftermath of the painful exit at St James' Park. Newcastle pulled off their own PR stunt with Isak by picturing him smiling in training but Tyneside is on tenterhooks over his fitness levels.

When asked if he will start against West Ham, Howe said: "Fingers crossed, yeah. As I said, if he is fit, he will play because that is the best way to get him in the best physical condition for future games.

"Footballers are finely tuned athletes and when they are ready to play they have to play. You have to give them that opportunity. "Fingers crossed Alex will be fine. I understand the intense sort of speculation and spotlight on him but the best thing we can do is just relax and let him play his football."