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.
5. Left-Back: Tino Livramento
Grok says: "Lewis Hall’s season-ending ankle surgery leaves Tino Livramento as the primary left-back. He started there against West Ham, impressing against Jarrod Bowen—a winger with a style similar to Salah, whom he’ll face on Sunday. Howe singled out Livramento’s performance, noting his synergy with Harvey Barnes on the left. With Matt Targett as a backup option but not preferred, Livramento’s pace and one-on-one defending secure his spot." | Getty Images
6. Centre Midfield: Sandro Tonali
Grok says: "The midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton has become Howe’s go-to in recent weeks, including the West Ham win. Tonali’s energy and tackling (he won key duels against West Ham) will disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm." | Getty Images
7. Centre Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes
Grok says: "Guimarães, the captain, brings composure and passing accuracy—crucial after his standout semi-final displays against Arsenal." | Zac Goodwin/PA Wire
8. Centre Midfield: Joelinton
Grok says: "Joelinton, back from injury, looked sharp against West Ham, offering physicality and versatility. Howe has no reason to deviate from this balanced unit, especially with Sean Longstaff relegated to the bench and Joe Willock as a substitute option." | Getty Images