Manchester United and Newcastle United are set to face off in the fourth round of the EFL Cup at Old Trafford.
Only one of last year’s EFL Cup finalists will advance to the quarter-finals, adding an extra layer of intensity to this match.
Preview:
Manchester United’s performance has been inconsistent since their victory in last year’s EFL Cup final against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
Their recent Manchester derby was nothing short of deplorable, and they will be looking to bounce back from that disappointing defeat.
Despite some promising moments in previous matches, they have struggled to maintain their winning form.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, ended Manchester City’s hopes of winning all four trophies this season with a memorable victory.
However, their recent performances have been mixed, with only one win in their last four matches.
They will be aiming to recapture their earlier form and cause an upset against the reigning EFL Cup champions.
Team News:
Manchester United will be without Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez due to injuries. Jadon Sancho remains sidelined as well.
Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are expected to recover in time for the match. Manager Erik ten Hag might make some changes to the lineup to address their recent inconsistencies.
Newcastle United will have to cope without Sandro Tonali, who is serving a 10-month ban for betting breaches.
Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Lewis Miley, and Alexander Isak are also unavailable due to injuries.
Manager Eddie Howe may introduce some new faces, including Tino Livramento, Matt Targett, and Joe Willock, who scored in their previous victory over Manchester United.
Possible Lineups:
Manchester United:
- Onana;
- Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon;
- Amrabat, Eriksen;
- Antony, Mount, Garnacho;
- Hojlund.
Newcastle United:
- Pope;
- Livramento, Schar, Lascelles, Targett;
- Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton;
- Almiron, Wilson, Gordon.
Prediction:
We predict a closely contested match between Manchester United and Newcastle United, with both teams likely to score.
Considering Manchester United’s recent struggles and Newcastle’s desire to avenge their defeat in the previous EFL Cup final, we expect the match to end in a 1-1 draw.
Newcastle United might prevail in the penalty shootout, eliminating the holders and extending Manchester United’s woes.