At this point, I will just remind you this is still only his first year in charge, because Liverpool look so advanced that it would be all too easy to forget. Newcastle will have their hands full in the final at Wembley Stadium on March 16.

Arne Slot believes Liverpool’s squad depth and lack of injuries meant there was no need to make signings in the January transfer window. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will miss Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham at Anfield due to a minor thigh problem, is the only player currently unavailable.