Manchester United will set out to win their first trophy under Erik ten Hag in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley.
The Red Devils carry good form and momentum into the final, after defeating Barcelona in the Europa League play-off to progress to the round of 16. United do have an injury concern over the in-form Marcus Rashford, however.
As for the Magpies, their form in the Premier League has regressed with no wins in their past four matches. There is cause for optimism, however, with the return of star man Bruno Guimaraes after suspension.
This is United’s first Carabao Cup final appearance in six years since a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired 3-2 win against Southampton in Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge.
More from Football
Premier League results today as Arsenal secure narrow win before Man City thrash Bournemouth25 February, 2023
Poacher Ings and brilliant Bowen lift pressure on Moyes - West Ham 4-0 Forest player ratings25 February, 2023
Zinchenko named Arsenal captain against Leicester on first anniversary of conflict in Ukraine25 February, 2023Here’s all you need to know ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Wembley:
Team news
Newcastle: Goalkeeper Nick Pope is the big miss for Eddie Howe and his side who will look to Loris Karius to redeem himself at Wembley after a night to forget in the Uefa Champions League in Kyiv. Star man Guimaraes is set to return after a spell on the sidelines due to a suspension and Joe Willock’s fitness is in doubt following a hamstring injury but could yet feature if passes fit ahead of the game.
Manchester United: The headline doubt for this one is Marcus Rashford, whose availability is still unclear after the forward limped off the pitch due to injury (ankle knock) sustained against Barcelona. “We need to do the investigations. We did yesterday but it’s too soon after a game. So we have to wait for the medical team now,” said Ten Hag. Anthony Martial is still unavailable but Antony’s match-winning return against Barcelona is a welcome boost.
Man Utd vs Newcastle key details
Date: Sunday 26 February
Kick-off: 4.30pm [BST]
TV: You can watch the Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle live on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Football.
Live stream: Subscribers can watch the game on Sky Go or with a Now TV day pass (prices start at £11.98 per day).
Three key battles
Fred vs Bruno Guimaraes
In Christian Eriksen’s absence, Fred has emerged as an important presence for Ten Hag in the middle of the park.
Most recently, he has shown his creativity in forward areas, assisting Rashford in back-to-back games against Barcelona and Leicester City. In the second leg at Old Trafford, Fred was instrumental in United’s comeback against Xavi’s side, scoring the all-important equaliser.
“He had an important role already last week in Barcelona, this week the same,” Ten Hag said after the win against Barcelona.
“He had first to stop Frenkie de Jong from playing, he had to play as a mosquito around him and go behind him and he did it magnificently.”
A similar job will be necessary on Guimaraes, but no doubt Fred will know what to expect from his compatriot at Wembley.
Antony vs Dan Burn
Antony was more than a handful for Newcastle when the two sides faced off at Old Trafford and round two is expected to go along similar lines, especially with Rashford potentially out.
Burn struggled to keep up with the Brazilian in the 0-0 draw away from home and this battle could be another decider in wide areas. Antony has six goals and one assist to his name so far this season but his impact on the team has been felt outside of his offensive contributions.
It's like a pinball machine in there!!
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 23, 2023
Man United come from behind to take a 2-1 lead in this tie through Antony!!#UEL pic.twitter.com/YcFt5Lx95Y
Ten Hag was full of praise after Antony’s match-winning goal against Barcelona.
“He is brave, he is fearless, so I think what he brought second half was what we needed, running in behind and dribbles and his goal,” said Ten Hag.
“He is brave and will go with it and when he has the opportunity he will shoot.”
Wout Weghorst vs Joelinton
Two players who established themselves as strikers but have since taken on different roles for their current teams, Wout Weghorst and Joelinton could be another intriguing match-up.
Depending on whether Weghorst continues to play the number 10 role, he and Joelinton will be crucial in terms of holding the ball up and bringing their team-mates into play.
Both are tall forwards, though Joelinton is the younger and more agile player. However, Weghorst has been central to United’s pressing approach from the front, willing to get stuck into tackles as well as make himself a nuisance in the box.
Joelinton is a strong carrier of the ball and is able to dribble past markers as well, and since his reinvention into a midfield role, he has been a huge presence for the Magpies.
As for Weghorst, his new role has seen him get involved in build-up play and be able to help Ten Hag and his side win the ball back quickly after losing it.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/o7uwaCc
Post a Comment