The countdown is on to March 16, when Bruno Guimaraes will lead Newcastle United out on to the Wembley pitch for their Carabaao Cup final showdown with Liverpool.

For Eddie Howe, the challenge of ensuring his side keep fully focused on Premier League matters before then has already started - and some testing league games before now and their cup final date should ensure little in the way of distractions. While the glint of silerware is a huge attraction for United and their success-starved fans, qualifying for next season's Champions League is also high on the list of priorities.

A place at Europe's elite table should make the summer transfer window a lot easier to negotiate, both in terms of potential spending power and in United's ability to attact big names to St James' Park - and keep the ones they already have on Tyneside. Mentality is rarely an issue under Howe, of course, and games against the likes of Man City, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool should ensure little chance of Wembley distraction.

READ MORE: Newcastle United learn Marc Guehi 'negotiations' truth after Tottenham bid

READ MORE: Newcastle United's £45million transfer truth laid bare ahead of summer transfer window

However, when it comes to the build-up, Newcastle could have a huge advantage over Arne Slot's Reds. While the Premier League leaders will be favourites to win the final, given their form under the Dutchman this season, their pre-final challenge will test the strongest of squads.

Newcastle have five games to negotiate between now and March 16 - while Liverpool have eight, including a two-legged Champions League round-of-16 encounter. What's more, the second leg of that tie will be played in the midweek before Wembley, giving Slot's men precious little time to prepare for the big game.

Liverpool are used to such challenges, having competed in Europe on a regular basis, while combining those demands with Premier League title bids and domestic cup runs. If Newcastle struggled with the schedule last season - and a crippling injury list exacerbated issues - then the Reds will be expected to deal with their fixture load, using the experience their strong squad offers.

Nevertheless, a full week of preparation for Wembley will do Newcastle the world of good - while Liverpool are put to the test in Europe. Whether it has an impact on the final remains to be seen.