Will Pope or Dubravka Guard the Magpies’ Nest?…
It seems the Magpies are stuck in quite the goalkeeper conundrum as they prep for the epic showdown against Liverpool at Wembley this Sunday. Coming off a nail-biter against West Ham, Newcastle is now facing the almighty Reds in the Carabao Cup final. With Gordon serving time on the suspension bench and Botman and Hall on the sideline due to injuries, Newcastle’s odds look tougher than a two-dollar steak!
The twist? Newcastle’s got a secret weapon—or rather, two. Unlike their last cup battle, manager Eddie Howe has a choice between the formidable Nick Pope and the ever-dependable Martin Dubravka. This has turned into a real head-scratcher for Howe, as Pope has been getting over injury blues while Dubravka was benched despite his stellar pre-bench form. Pre-final gossip is even suggesting Howe might just bring Dubravka back into action!
Jamie Carragher, the football-guru-turned-pundit, is channelling his inner Yoda, advising Howe to go full throttle with his best XI, especially in cup finals. Meanwhile, Russell Martin believes Dubravka brings that extra spark needed for Newcastle’s playing style. As fans debate and cheer in anticipation, one thing’s for sure: Newcastle’s goalie game is the talk of the Toon!
