Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool’s win over Newcastle will count for little in the Carabao Cup final.
The Premier League leaders opened up a 13-point lead courtesy of their 2-0 victory over Eddie Howe’s side in Wednesday’s dry run of their upcoming Wembley clash.
But a subpar Magpies ventured to Anfield without talisman Alexander Isak available due to a slight groin issue which prevented him from featuring in their encounter.
And Van Dijk believes the Sweden international’s absence is one of the reasons why the Reds cannot take any real lessons ahead of the March 16 showpiece.
He said: “A final is always different and we are 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.
“When the time comes, we will prepare in the best way possible, like we prepared today as well, for any anything that could have happened.
“We came out of it well, but we know obviously it will be a difficult game.”
Liverpool also put Chelsea to the sword in their dress rehearsal for last season’s final but were taken to extra time before Van Dijk cropped up with a late winner.
The Dutchman, however, does not see parallels between the two domestic wins due to a raft of injuries plaguing Jurgen Klopp’s side at the time of their trip to the capital.
“I think we had to deal with quite a lot of injuries at the time in the final,” added Van Dijk.
“There are certain things you don’t have control over, but, like I said, when the time comes, we will prepare in the best way possible.
“Now we can switch off our minds for a day at least and then focus on getting in best shape again [for the Champions League].”
Darwin Nunez made his return to action as a second-half substitute just a week after Arne Slot had publicly criticised his body language following a miss at Aston Villa.
The Uruguayan forward was overlooked for last weekend’s win against Manchester City but Van Dijk still believes that he has an important part to play in the title run-in.
“I think that is not something for the whole squad,” insisted the defender.
“I think it is the bare minimum which has been asked from us from day one but I think that is the bare minimum anyway for playing for Liverpool.
“It was more down to him and it is still down to him and I think he showed a great reaction today in his work-rate coming on.
“That should be the minimum and he knows it and he has to keep it going.”
“Everyone has a big role to play. I mentioned it after Villa that everyone has a big role to play, we are all in this together and we need everyone.
“He is a big part of our team and when he comes on he has to make a positive impact.
“Today and the rest of the boys who came on made an impact and that’s what we need to keep it going.”