Virgil van Dijk enters Carabao Cup final with will ‘to win so badly’ as Liverpool to be judged on trophy haul - Liverpool will be looking to defend their Carabao Cup title against Newcastle this weekend.

Liverpool may have led the way domestically and in Europe for much of this season but captain Virgil van Dijk knows in the final reckoning only trophies matter. This week’s Champions League last-16 exit to Paris St Germain on penalties – only a fifth defeat in 46 competitive games under Arne Slot – was a huge blow to a squad which has largely been leaving opponents trailing in their wake.

Sunday’s Carabao Cup final has a whole host of ready made narratives set to make it a hugely exciting encounter - with the EFL’s appointment of who will referee the match set to add another layer of intrigue.