VAN DIJK ISSUES FINAL WARNING AND HAILS ISAK

VIRGIL VAN DIJK insists Newcastle will be a different beast in the Carabao Cup final.

- By David Anderson

Liverpool extended their unbeaten run against Newcastle to 17 games with their 2-0 success, but Van Dijk refuses to read too much into it ahead of their showdown at Wembley on March 16.

Alexander Isak, below, missed out for Eddie Howe's side on Wednesday night with a groin injury and Van Dijk hailed the Sweden hotshot as "the world's most in-form striker".

Isak should be back at Wembley and has scored 21 goals for the Toon this season, as well as three in his five games against Liverpool.

Reds skipper Van Dijk said: "A final is always different and we're very wary of the threat they possess.

"We know that Isak is definitely the most in-form striker at the moment in world football.

"So you know when he's back, that will give them a boost.

"But, listen, a final is a final and everyone wants to play and play their best game ever.