Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Prediction: Manchester United vs Newcastle

Tom Dunstan in Free Soccer Predictions 24 Feb 2023

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Verdict: Manchester United to lift the trophy

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

With this season’s EFL Cup up for grabs on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United and Newcastle will meet at Wembley for what is a heavyweight showdown.

Manchester United

Starting with Manchester United, mounting a stunning second-half comeback against Spanish icons Barcelona in midweek, Erik ten Hag’s side will find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Eventually booking their Europa League last-16 ticket thanks to an action-packed 4-3 aggregate victory, the former Ajax boss has only continued to impress everyone across the Premier League. While the English heavyweights might still be facing a real uphill struggle if they’re to mount a genuine title charge over the coming months, United are tipped as a standout pick to end their trophy drought at Wembley. Enjoying what has been a remarkable purple patch since returning from the World Cup’s winter break, the Red Devils have now lost just one of their last 20 straight matchups across all formats. With that eye-catching flurry stemming all the way back to November 6th, ten Hag’s side are just 90 minutes away from getting their hands on a first piece of silverware since 2017.

Team News

Continuing on what has been a record-breaking flurry since returning from the World Cup break, England international Marcus Rashford will spearhead Manchester United’s attack at Wembley.

In what looks set to be a huge boost for ten Hag’s side on Sunday afternoon, midfield talisman Casemiro will return from a three-match suspension. Despite bagging the winner against Barcelona in midweek, Antony will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Newcastle

As for Newcastle, while the Magpies might have gained a string of plaudits from across the Premier League this season, Eddie Howe’s side are enduring a recent wobble. Although the north east giants might have marked their return from the World Cup’s winter break with their sights set on securing a famous top-four finish in 2023, the former Bournemouth boss is desperate for his side to find some recent stability. Last seen failing to pick up some crucial momentum as they suffered a 2-0 loss at home against Liverpool, Howe’s side have slipped out of the Champions League spots. Knowing that they will face a huge challenge when they make the trip to Wembley on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle have won just one of their last seven Premier League appearances. Although the Magpies might have booked their first Wembley ticket in 24 years following a 3-1 aggregate victory against Southampton, it should be noted that Howe’s side have won just one of their last five domestic battles away from St. James’ Park.

Team News

With Nick Pope shown a straight red card in Newcastle’s 2-0 loss against Liverpool last weekend, Howe has a real goalkeeping headache on his hands. As Martin Dubravka is cup-tier following a loan stint at Old Trafford earlier in the season, Loris Karius could be handed a stunning return to centre stage.

However, in what looks set to be a major boost for the Magpies on Sunday afternoon, midfield talisman Bruno Guimaraes is set to make his return from a three-match suspension.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When the two sides last met on October 16th, Manchester United and Newcastle played out a 0-0 stalemate at Old Trafford.
    • Each of the other five meetings between Sunday’s finalists have finished with both teams finding the net.
    • However, the Red Devils are unbeaten in each of their last six meetings against Newcastle – a run that stems all the way back to October 2019.
    • Sunday’s EFL Cup final will be Newcastle’s first trip to Wembley in 24 years.
    • Manchester United have failed to lift a piece of silverware since their Europa League success under Jose Mourinho in 2017.

    Conclusion

    Mounting that stunning Europa League comeback at home against Barcelona earlier in the week, Manchester United will make the trip to Wembley riding what has been an extended wave of momentum. Punching their last-16 ticket after eventually snatching a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win, ten Hag’s side are rightfully tipped as a standout pick to end their trophy drought on Sunday afternoon. Only continuing to impress since returning from the World Cup break, United will be looking to cash in on a Newcastle squad who are enduring a recent wobble. Although the Magpies might have gained a string of plaudits this season, the top-four dreamers have won just a quartet of their last 11 appearances across all competitions.

    Verdict: Manchester United to lift the trophy

    Best Odds: 7/10

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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