As Liverpool lifted the Carabao Cup trophy at Wembley almost 12 months ago, you couid be forgiven for not recognising a few of the faces as the celebrations got under way.

Virgil van Dijk's extra-time goal handed Jurgen Klopp what was to be his final trophy at the Anfield club as the Reds recorded a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea beneath the famous arch. Fast forward a year, and Liverpool are preparing for another trip to Wembley - where Newcastle United will be waiting.

Eddie Howe's side booked their place in their second Carabao Cup final in three years with an impressive 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal, to set up a mouthwatering occasion. United are, of course, looking to end their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot is aiming to land his first piece of silverware since taking over from Klopp in the summer.

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The Dutchman has already set out his clear intentions in the competition by fielding his strongest side for the second leg of their semi-final agaisnt Tottenham. Whereas Klopp was happy to use acadamy graduates and up-and-coming stars in last season's success, Slot has been keen to ensure there were no slip-ups.

Liverpool are on course to win the Premier League title, and have big Champions League ambitions with a place in the last 16 already assured, while their FA Cup hopes remain intact. However, the Carabao Cup has not taken a back seat.

Klopp started a strong XI against Chelsea in last year's final, but made a raft of second-half changes, with Jayden Danns, former Newcastle youth star Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jarell Quansah all featuring. Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni were also named on the bench, but did not appear.

Contrast that to Liverpool's 4-0 second-leg win over Spurs. Not only did Slot pick a side that featured Van Dijk, Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Darwin Nunez and Andy Robertson, but the players he introduced were all first-team stars.

Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott were all brought on to help seal the victory and a place in the final. As for the unused subs . . . Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo, both of whom have played more than 50 times for their countries.

Eddie Howe will expect the very best from Liverpool as he prepares his Newcastle squad for what will be a massive occasion in little more than a month's time. But if he was hoping Liverpool may have one eye on their Champions League and Premier League bids then it appears Slot is about to disappoint him.