Like it or loathe it, we live a world where AI - or artificial intelligence - is creeping into every corner of society. Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction. Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict football results.
So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what starting XI Eddie Howe would pick as Newcastle United take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at Wembley looking to end what is the longest trophy drought of any major English football club - the Magpies have not won a domestic trophy since 1955, a run that stretches back 70 years.
Will Howe go for Harvey Barnes, or will Joe Willock or Lewis Miley get the call on the day? And who will win the battle between the sticks - will it be Martin Dubravka who has taken the Magpies to the final, or will usual No.1 Nick Pope continue, having been recently recalled to Howe’s Premier League starting side? Here’s what it said.
1. Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Grok says: "Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup against West Ham after Martin Dubravka deputized during Pope’s recent injury spell. Despite conceding seven goals in three matches since his return, Pope’s performance in the West Ham clean sheet—where he faced minimal pressure but handled what came his way—suggests Howe trusts him for big games. Howe’s hinted preference for Pope over Dubravka, combined with his experience, makes him the likely choice to face Liverpool’s potent attack." | Getty Images
2. Right-Back: Kieran Trippier
Grok says: "Kieran Trippier has been a consistent starter when fit, including against West Ham, where he played the full 90 minutes. Despite a minor knock against Brighton earlier this month, he’s shown no lingering issues. His set-piece delivery and defensive nous are vital, especially with Liverpool missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, potentially leaving gaps Trippier can exploit. He’s a lock to start." | Getty Images
3. Centre-Back: Fabian Schär
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Schär’s ball-playing ability has helpied him build a solid partnership with Dan Burn. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters. | Getty Images
4. Centre-Back: Dan Burn
Grok says: "With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out long-term due to knee and unspecified injuries, respectively, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn are Howe’s only senior center-back options. Both started against West Ham, with Schär’s ball-playing ability and Burn’s aerial presence forming a solid partnership. They kept a clean sheet there, and Howe praised their resilience post-match. They’ll be tasked with containing Liverpool’s forwards, likely Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and are certain starters." | Getty Images