After five years without silverware, Manchester United will be desperate to end this drought with a victory against Newcastle United on Sunday.
However, certain Newcastle fans will have been waiting since 1955 for a major trophy.
Therefore, both sides are desperate for silverware, and will feel that this Carabao Cup final could be their best chance.
Route to the final
Newcastle started their Carabao Cup journey win a narrow 2-1 win away at Tranmere in the second round of the competition.
In the third round, Newcastle hosted Crystal Palace in an a all-Premier League affair. The Magpies narrowly beat Palace 3-2 on penalties.
For their first game back after the World Cup, Newcastle hosted Bournemouth. A slender 1-0 victory was enough to send them through to the quarter Finals of the Carabao Cup.
In the quarter finals, St James Park hosted Leicester. Newcastle beat the Foxes 2-0.
As a result, Newcastle faced strugglers Southampton in the semi-finals.
In the first leg at St Mary’s, Newcastle won 1-0.
Subsequently, in the second leg, Newcastle won 2-1 to send them through to Wembley.
Manchester United entered the competition in the third round facing Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
United beat Villa 4-2.
In the fourth round, the Red Devil’s beat Vincent Kompany’s inform Burnley side 2-0 at Old Trafford.
After back to back Premier League side draws, United faced League One side Charlton. United came out comfortable 3-0 winners.
Subsequently, United were drawn against Nottingham Forest in the semi finals.
In the first leg at the City ground, United dismantled Forest 3-0.
In the second leg, United won 2-0 at Old Trafford. This secured United’s place in the Carabao Cup final.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United:
- Loris Karius
- Kieran Trippier
- Sven Botman
- Fabian Schar
- Daniel Burn
- Joseph Willock
- Sean Longstaff
- Bruno Guimaraes
- Allan Saint-Maximin
- Alexander Isak
- Miguel Almiron
Manchester United:
- David De Gea
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Raphael Varane
- Lisandro Martinez
- Luke Shaw
- Casemiro
- Fred
- Marcus Rashford
- Wout Weghorst
- Jadon Sancho
Lineup discussion
After Newcastle’s first choice goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off against Liverpool, he will be suspended for the final.
Therefore, with Martin Dubravka being cup tied as a result of playing in the League Cup for Manchester United already this season, this means Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has no choice but to play former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
This could be a huge loss for Newcastle as despite Karius’ qualities, fine margins win trophies, and United’s extra quality in goal could be the difference between a win and a loss.
However, the return of Bruno Guimaraes will be a huge boost for Howe’s team. The quality of the Brazilian gives Newcastle that extra edge in what will be an intense midfield battle.
Five time Champions League winner Casemiro’s three game domestic suspension will be completed in time for the final which is a huge boost for Ten Hag’s men. The former Real Madrid midfielder provides defensive qualities which United massively miss when he’s unavailable for the side. Casemiro’s ability to predict attackers movements and cut them out relieves major pressure off the United defence, setting a foundation for more explosive counter attacks led by clinical players like Marcus Rashford.
The right wing selection will be a tough decision for United’s Dutch manager.
Antony looks potentially set to return to fitness in time for the fixture, ready to compete with Jadon Sancho and youngster Alejandro Garnacho.
Each winger provides varying qualities which Ten Hag may look to use to break down a resilient Newcastle defence.
Having consistently used Antony this season, if the Brazilian is fit, he will likely play, but having been out for a couple weeks, Ten Hag may not wish to rush him back too quickly.
However, if the former Ajax boss foresees an open, counter attacking game, then the Dutch coach may look to use Garnacho’s explosive qualities. The young Argentinian has great speed and clever footwork which helps him burst past fullbacks. He loves to run into space and take his man on. Thus, if it becomes an open game, Ten Hag may look to bring the young Argentinian on.
Whereas, Sancho may be selected for his quality decision making. The young English winger is skilled at finding the right pass in order to progress the ball forward. Therefore, with Newcastle notoriously having a difficult defence to break down, Ten Hag may use Sancho so to exploit the minimal gaps that do appear in their defence.
Form
Heading into the final, the two sides are on opposing form.
Newcastle have failed to win in each of their last four Premier League games. Howe’s men have drawn to Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Bournemouth, whilst losing to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Whereas, Manchester United have won two of their last three Premier League games whilst progressing in all cup competitions in the meantime. United beat Crystal Palace, drew to Leeds at Old Trafford, before beating them at Elland Road.
Therefore, on form, United have the edge. However, with the Wembley spirit and Newcastle fans guaranteed to bring thunderous atmosphere, it could give the Newcastle players enough to take them to that next level and beat United.
Ultimately, it’ll be a tight game which will be defined by the smallest margins. Whichever side takes the victory will create a solid foundation for future success.