Newcastle United fans hit the beers ahead of Carabao Cup final

Newcastle United fans today guzzled beers as they hit the pubs in London ahead of the Magpies' Carabao Cup final showdown against Liverpool at Wembley. 

The Toon Army was in full swing as thousands draped in Newcastle flags and scarves invaded the capital.

Fans smiled and held aloft half-empty pints of beer as they were in a positive mood that Eddie Howe's men can end Newcastle's 70-year trophy drought. 

The Magpies will take on Arne Slot's Premier League champions-elect, who this week crashed out of the Champions League in a penalty shootout loss against PSG. 

Scotland Yard has already fired a warning that officers will 'swiftly' intervene if fans' boozy behaviour 'crosses the line'. 

Cops have been deployed to central London and around Wembley Stadium ahead of today's 4.30pm kick off.  

Trafalgar Square is usually a meeting point for gathering fans but it is currently closed off due to preparations for another event. 

They have instead headed to Covent Garden where last night black and white flares were lit and chants of 'Geordies' were heard.  

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'We want fans visiting London this weekend to have a great time.

'There is lots of useful advice on the Wembley Stadium website which we'd encourage everyone to read.

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'In past years, fans from visiting teams have used Trafalgar Square as a gathering point on Saturdays ahead of a Sunday match.

'That won't be possible this weekend as the square will be closed to prepare for an upcoming event. Fans are advised to make alternative arrangements and to do so in advance.

'While we know many fans will be planning to have a drink and enjoy themselves, it's in everyone's interest that it doesn't cross the line from celebration into antisocial or disorderly behaviour.

'Officers will intervene swiftly if it does.

'Dispersal orders will be in place in Westminster and around Wembley giving officers the power to require anyone acting in a disorderly way to leave the area.

'Fans should also be aware that Brent Council (in whose area Wembley is located) will be enforcing a no-street-drinking zone on Olympic Way and the surrounding area. It is in place for all events at Wembley Stadium.

'A Public Space Protection Order is also in place in the Westminster area which covers much of the West End including Covent Garden. 

'It gives police officers and council officials the ability to confiscate alcohol if individuals are being disorderly.'

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Scotland Yard added: 'We will have officers deployed both in central London and around Wembley Stadium throughout the weekend to provide a reassuring presence and to respond to any incidents.

'Any fans with concerns shouldn't hesitate to speak to them.'

Newcastle manager Howe was in bullish mood during Friday's press conference despite being without half of his first choice back four and star man Antony Gordon who is serving a three-game ban. 

'We've tried to double down on our core strengths,' he said. 

'The spirit is really good and that's why the win at West Ham was so important. Everything is positive.

'Genuinely, whenever I look at a team selection there is always decisions to make. We're looking at the opposition and figuring out who needs to slot in where. 

'We have a very tight squad, so there aren't loads of options.'