Great news, football fans. The 2025 Carabao Cup, also known as the League Cup (or perhaps the Carling Cup if you’ve long since given up on remembering its current sponsor), wraps up this weekend when Liverpool and Newcastle United go head to head at Wembley.
It’s a significant matchfor both teams, and not just becauseit’s a final. For the Reds’ new(ish) manager Arne Slot, it’s a chance to secure a first piece of silverware with the club, before more almost certainly follows in the Premier League barring some sort of catastrophic dip in form.
Newcastle will do their best to delay Slot’s hunt for trophies on their campaign tosecure their first major piece of silverware since 1969, just three years after the club’s takeover by new ownership. For the Magpies, it’s also a chance to make amends after losing toManchester United in the finalback in 2023.
Who are the favourites to win the Carabao Cup 2025?
The current holders of the title Liverpooland are firm favourites to take home the Carabao Cupagain this year, with betting odds handing them an 80 percent chance of winning. However, theteam will be smarting from being knocked out of the Champions League by PSG earlier this week, while potentially still recovering from a gruelling match that went to penalties and saw key player Trent Alexander-Arnold go off injured, so an underdog triumph is far from out of the picture.
When is the Carabao Cup Final 2025 and what time is kick-off?
The Carabao Cup Final takes place on Sunday March 16 at the home of English football, north-west London’s Wembley Stadium. The match kicks off at 4.30pm and should be finished by around 7.30pm at the latest, even if it ends up going to extra time and then penalties.
As ever, if you can’t make it to Wembley, London’s pubs and bars will be stepping up to the occasion with all the giant screens and pub grub you could hope for. Here are the best options for cheering on your chosen challengers.
Where to watch the Carabao Cup Final in London
Boxpark Croydon
The newest Boxpark location in London will be getting in on the action and screening the big game on giant screens. Free tickets have already sold out, but there are some left that include one house drink in the price.
99 George St, CR0 1LD. £8.30.
Big Penny Social
At this Walthamstow brewery, you’ll be able to sample a delicious range of craft beers, ales and ciders while you watch the match. The perfect distraction for when things aren’t quite going how you want on the pitch.
1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL. Free, booking advised.
Vinegar Yard
Vinegar Yard’s courtyard bar offers a cosy option for footie fans wanting to get some fresh air while keeping up with the score. The outdoor area is heated and covered so the great British weather won’t spoil your day, and you can munch on slices from Bad Boy Pizza Society while you watch, too.
72-82 St Thomas St, SE1 3QX. Free, booking advised.
Bat & Ball
Settle in for the game at Bat & Ball and, then, try your hand at some sporting endeavours yourself once the final whistle’s blown. We’re not suggesting you try to emulate Mohamed Salah, but the venue’s beer pong, darts, and pool table all count as sports, right?
2 Mountfichet Rd, E20 1EJ. Free, booking advised.
Belushi’s
Belushi’s various bars across the city get lively whenever there’s a big match on, so expect this weekend to be no different. While the atmosphere will be heating up, the beers will stay ice cold, and the big screens will be unwavering in their HD quality.
Various London venues. Free, booking advised.
Sports Bar And Grill
Sports Bar And Grill calls itself ‘London’s ultimate football destination’. You can say why – it boasts wall-to-wall HD screens meaning you won’t miss even the sneakiest of fouls. There’s also a menu packed with food that’s easy to eat without taking your eyes off those screens, including wings, burgers and more.
19-25 Cowcross St, EC1M 6DQ. Free, booking advised.
Tank and Paddle
Come for the giant screens showing all the action in the final, stay for the range of craft beers and the chance to play shuffleboard and board games. Bishopsgate’s Tank And Paddle has everything you need to hunker down and really make an afternoon of it with your mates, rather than a 90-minute pitstop.
201 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3AB. Free, booking advised.
After even more sport this weekend? These are the best places to watch the Six Nations 2025 final round on Saturday
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