Newcastle United Wembley goalkeeper decision revealed as Eddie Howe names cup final XI

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe kept faith with Nick Pope for the Carabao Cup final in a huge call at Wembley.

Pope got the nod despite many calls from fans for Martin Dubravaka to be restored to the team for the capital showpiece against Liverpool. But even though Dubravka essentially got Newcastle to the final with two clean sheets against Arsenal, it is England international Pope who kept his place after starting the last three games.

Head coach Eddie Howe had stated he faced a tough choice in goal but that he wanted anybody not selected to support their team-mates and put disappointment behind them. Otherwise Howe's team was unchanged after the 1-0 win at West Ham.

Although, it remains to be seen whether Tino Livramento or Kieran Trippier start against the Reds and who will be tasked with looking after Mo Salah.

Howe had said on selection: "Everybody will find out at the same time when I name the team. When that will be? I will leave that to myself, not you guys!

"The team selection for these types of games is always difficult because players will be disappointed naturally. Everybody wants to play in the bigger games. I can only pick 11."

UNITED: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes

Subs: Dubravka, Krafth, Targett, Miley, Longstaff, Willock, Osula, Wilson, Neave

Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Quansah, Konate, VVD, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz.

Subs: Alisson, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Elliott, Tsimikas, McConnell.