Carabao Cup: Man Utd v Newcastle
Man Utd face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. This is a rematch of last season’s final in this competition. The last five matches between these sides at Old Trafford have seen the Red Devils win on every occasion (19-6 aggregate).
Man Utd Form
United’s performance levels right now are pretty dire. After the alarming loss to Brighton, they ground out a 1-0 league win at Burnley before beating Crystal Palace 3-0 in the last round of the League Cup. A 1-0 league defeat at home to Palace followed a few days later, before being beaten 3-2 at home by Galatasaray.
Three victories had given some breathing room, but the performances were not great. They won 2-1 at home to Brentford after two late goals, 2-1 at Sheffield United, and then 1-0 against FC Copenhagen, who had a last-gasp penalty saved. On Sunday, United followed up those three unconvincing wins with a 3-0 home humbling by Man City. They allowed 4.00 xG, 21 shots, and seven ‘big chances’ in that derby defeat.
Man Utd Team News
Erik Ten Hag will freshen up his side a bit with a trip to Fulham in the early kickoff on Saturday. Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon are expected to come into the back four with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka still ruled out. Casemiro is doubtful with an injury and Mason Mount could be handed an opportunity.
Further forward, Marcus Rashford may be due a rest. Anthony Martial, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony could form the front three. Rasmus Hojlund is another player due for a breather, but Bruno Fernandes is expected to start and captain the side once again.
Man Utd Motivation
United need a response and a win at Old Trafford. Ten Hag has taken the cups seriously and will do the same here.
A defeat, especially to a second-string Newcastle, would be seen as a disaster.
Newcastle Form
Newcastle’s three early season league losses are now a distant memory. They responded with an eight-match unbeaten run with six wins and two draws with six clean sheets. The standout results in that run were winning 8-0 at Sheffield United, beating Man City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup and thrashing PSG 4-1 in the Champions League.
A slight dip has come lately. A 2-2 draw at West Ham saw the Toon concede late but they bounced back to thrash Crystal Palace 4-0 at home. A 1-0 loss at home to Dortmund on matchday three of the Champions League was a real disappointment. On Saturday, they led twice at Wolves but could only draw 2-2 by the end.
Newcastle Team News
Newcastle are set to rotate their side due to the heavy schedule. Eddie Howe may make quite a few changes against Man City in the last round and a lot of those fringe players could get another outing. Sven Botman and Harvey Barnes remain out injured and Sandro Tonali is banned for betting breaches.
Alexander Isak played no part at Wolves and is not expected to be risked. Callum Wilson is set to be wrapped in cotton wool whilst Jacob Murphy is struggling with a shoulder injury. Joe Willock, Paul Dummett, Tino Livramento, and Matt Targett look like certain starters. Lewis Hall is another who is set to be named in the starting XI.
Newcastle Motivation
The Magpies took this competition very seriously last year. However, they have the added complication of the Champions League this season.
With the squad struggling with a number of injuries, it could be an understrength XI. Newcastle would love to progress, but they won’t be heartbroken if they were to lose.
Key Stats
Man Utd have won 3 of their last 3 matches in all competitions.
Man Utd have lost 4 of their last 7 home matches.
Newcastle have lost their last 5 away matches vs Man Utd (conceding 19 goals)
Newcastle have scored 2+ goals in 5 of their last 6 matches.
Newcastle have won just once in 6 away matches in all competitions (LLDWDD)
Verdict
This should be an entertaining tie but it depends on how strong the starting lineups are. The hosts are set to pick a better XI and are tipped to progress to the next round. This could be a match to bet on one hour before kick-off when the teams are announced.
