England League Cup Final

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Manchester United vs Newcastle Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

Newcastle:
Karius; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin

The EFL Cup, also known as the League Cup, is first held in 1960/61 season. It is one of the three top-tier domestic football competitions in England, alongside the Premier League and FA Cup. It concludes in February, long before the other two, which end in May. It was introduced by the league as a response to the increasing popularity of European football. The tournament is played over seven rounds, with single-leg ties throughout, except for the semi-finals. The final is held at Wembley Stadium which is the only tie in the competition played at a neutral venue and on a weekend (Sunday). Aston Villa were the inaugural winners in 1961, defeating Rotherham United 3:2 in the final over two legs. The current holders are Liverpool, who beat Chelsea on penalties last year's final. Liverpool, are the most successful team in the competition, lifting the trophy nine times.

Manchester United beat Aston Villa, Burnley, Charlton Athletic and Nottingham Forest on their way to Wembley. This will be their first domestic cup final since the 2018. The Red Devils have a solid season and I am sure the fans are satisfied. They are third in the Premier League, five points adrift of leaders Arsenal. With 14 games remaining, nothing is impossible. Man United also advanced to the Last-16 of the Europa League. After they played a 2:2 draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou, Fred and Antony secured a 2:1 win at Old Trafford on Thursday. I believe the atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is high. Manchester United are unbeaten on the last nine matches across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each of them. Erik ten Hag could write a history as the first-ever Dutch manager to win the EFL Cup. He remains without key creative Christian Eriksen and this is a big handicap, although the results in the last period are good. Donny van de Beek is also a long-term injury victim, while Anthony Martial is out with a hip problem.

Newcastle are looking for their first piece of silverware after long time. The Magpies managed to eliminate Tranmere Rovers, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Southampton in the previous phase of the competition. Newcastle are also fighting for Top-4 finish in the Premier League in order to secure a Champions League spot. They are one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham, but have a match in hand. The new Saudi owners have invested big money and they expect to see their club in the Champions League next season. Manager Eddie Howe is well aware his side need to improve in the finish of the season. The Magpies are in poor form, they failed to register a victory on the last four league matches. But Howe has some additional issues, particularly with goalkeepers. Regular No 1 Nick Pope was sent off against Liverpool and must serve a suspension. His backup Martin Dubravka is cup-tied, as is Anthony Gordon. That means Loris Karius will start in the final. The former Liverpool keeper has not played for an English club since the nightmare in the 2018 Champions League final. Joelinton and Joe Willock are struggling with injuries and they are both rated as doubtful. On a positive note, Bruno Guimaraes has served his suspension and will return. Emil Krafth remain out with a knee injury.

Manchester United vs Newcastle Prediction:

I think Manchester United will win the final. The key reason for my pick is connect with goalkeepers. While De Gea is in excellent form, Newcastle have the first three keepers unavailable. That means Loris Karius will start in the final. After loan spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin, he left Liverpool in 2022 and joined Newcastle United. However, he has not played long time and he is out of form and with low confidence. Man United could take advantage from the situation.

Manchester United vs Newcastle Pick: Manchester United to win @ 2.25 with Pinnacle