The first domestic trophy of the season is up for grabs as two former juggernauts of English football take on each other. Read on to understand more about the game, what might happen, and gather some betting tips to get you going this weekend.
MANCHESTER UNITED
For a club of the stature of Manchester United who is in dire need of silverware, and we are not counting the Bangkok Century Cup as one of them. Since pre-season, Manchester United have come a long way under new manager Erik ten Hag; at the moment, they are just five points away from league leaders Arsenal.
As the season progressed Manchester United handled playing out from the back better with the two signings, Eriksen and Casemiro, at the center of it all. For the game at Wembley, Eriksen will not be available due to the injury sustained in the FA Cup tie against Reading. Another key element in Manchester United’s play is that Wout Weghourst is playing more as a false nine at times, dropping deep and linking up with Rashford, Sancho, or even wingbacks Shaw or Dalot. The space vacated by the Dutch striker is attacked by Rashford, who is loving life under Erik ten Hag – scoring 14 goals in the Premier League, four in Europa League, five in EFL, and one in FA Cup.
The backline has been chopped and changed a lot in recent games due to the number of games, but the most likely starters will be Varane and Martinez; together, they have formed a partnership giving great confidence to the midfielders to venture forward. Newcastle has the best defenses in the league, conceding just 15 in 23 games. The key to victory for the Red Devils will lie on their wingers making incisive runs, while Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro strike the ball in their path.
We are pricing Manchester United to win 2-0 at 10/1 (11.00), with goals in both halves at 7/9 (1.77). Manchester United to win the trophy is priced at 13/20 (1.65).
NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Magpies, after many years outside of the limelight and battling for survival, are feeling reborn as Eddie Howe, together with the new owners, are steering the club back to the summit. The signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Pope, who won’t be available for selection after being sent off against Liverpool, and the rejuvenated Almiron, all have played an integral role in Newcastle’s season.
The EFL Cup is not the biggest tournament that an English team could win, but for both clubs, lifting this trophy could mean the beginning of a new era. Newcastle are well ahead of schedule, sniffing their chance of getting into Champions League football in the first full season. The biggest strength that Newcastle has is their defense, which has been solid throughout. They will be tested against Marcus Rashford, who is in the form of his life. One element of the defense that will be missing is Nick Pope, who diligently guides his players through games, and his voice will be sorely missed.
Despite all the injuries and suspensions, Eddie Howe and his coaching stuff will motivate their squad to give everything they have on the pitch. The previous meeting this season between these two sides at Old Trafford ended in a goalless draw, and the same result next Sunday is priced at 10/1 (11.00), with Newcastle United scoring first at 27/20 (2.35).
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing