Newcastle United face two huge showdowns with Liverpool in the coming weeks - and both could have a significant impact on where silverware is heading this season.

Most obviously, the winners of the Carabao Cup final between the two sides on March 16 will determine who lifts the first trophy of 2025, but before then comes a massive Premier League clash at Anfield on February 26. For both sides, it will be the culmination of an intense set of fixtures which may well decide their fate in what has already been a dramatic campaign.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle face three of the current top five in Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and then Liverpool as they aim to send a strong message over their own Champions League credentials. For Liverpool, than Anfield clash with United comes at the end of a tough run which sees them take on Merseryside rivals Everton on Wednesday night, with games against Wolves Aston Villa and Man City leading up to Newcastle's visit.

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Manager Arne Slot is still licking his wounds over their shock FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth on Sunday, but knows his side must return to their best form for their challenging run of Premier League fixtures. They could move nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal with a win on Wednesday, but Slot is acutely aware that the chasing pack are ready to pounce.

"This period, five games in 15 days, is what we've done for 15 months now," he said ahead of the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. "This is the hardest league to win because so many teams can win this league and are capable of winning 10-15 games in a row. You can't have games when you are not at the top of your game.

"To lose against Plymouth is unacceptable. We are disappointed with that result. Now we have to show a different side of us tomorrow. It was not only the result, the performance was far below Liverpool standards as well."

Slot will wait to make a late decision over Trent Alexander-Arnold for the with Everton, with the defender close a return from injury, although Joe Gomez is likely to miss out after coming off early against Plymouth.

Livepool's five games in 15 days

• Wednesday, Febuary 12: Everton (A)

• Sunday, February 16: Wolves (H)

• Wednesday, February 19, Aston Villa (A)

• Sunday, February 23, Manchester City (A)

• Wednesday, February 26: Newcastle United (H)