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.
9. Right Wing: Jacob Murphy
Jacob Murphy started against West Ham and has been a regular in the absence of suspended Anthony Gordon, who misses the final due to a red card against Brighton. Murphy’s goal in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal and his work rate make him a reliable choice. Valentino Livramento (Tino’s brother) is an alternative, but Murphy’s recent form and experience edge him in. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Left Wing: Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes started on the left against West Ham, his first league start in three months, and delivered the assist for Isak’s goal. Howe praised his link-up with Livramento, signaling intent to repeat the combination. With Gordon out and Joelinton preferred in midfield, Barnes edges out Willock, who’s better suited as an impact sub. His directness and finishing could exploit Liverpool’s makeshift right-back, likely Jarell Quansah. | Getty Images
11. Striker: Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s talisman and a guaranteed starter if fit. After limping off against Brighton, Howe confirmed he was merely fatigued, not injured, and Isak played the full match against West Ham, scoring the winner from a Barnes cross. With 22 goals in 31 appearances this season, he’s the biggest threat to Liverpool’s defense, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s fitness uncertain. Callum Wilson, back from injury, is a bench option but won’t displace Isak. | AFP via Getty Images