Manchester United will be aiming to end their six-year trophy drought in today’s much-awaited Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at the Wembley Stadium.
The Red Devils will start as favourites but they will need to earn the victory against the Magpies, who still possess one of the best defences in Europe’s top-five leagues.
Erik ten Hag is likely to make a couple of changes to his starting XI despite the impressive 2-1 comeback win over Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has been in sublime form for United. He almost made a goalkeeping blunder in midweek but Casemiro saved his blushes.
The Spaniard redeemed himself with a terrific save to deny Jules Kounde in the second half. He is expected to start.
In defence, no changes are on the cards. Ten Hag is likely to continue with Aaron Wan-Bissaka over Diogo Dalot at right-back.
Wan-Bissaka is superb in winning one-on-one defensive duels and will be tasked with keeping Allan Saint-Maximin quiet in the final.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are undisputed starters in central defence. The same can be said for Luke Shaw in the left-back role.
Casemiro is a nailed-on starter in the number six position. He is available for the final after serving a three-man domestic suspension.
Fred came up with an outstanding display in midweek, capped with a goal. He is expected to partner his compatriot in the centre of the park.
Further forward, we anticipate the manager to make at least a couple of changes.
Wout Weghorst was pretty much non-existent in the first half on Thursday night and he could be one of the players dropping to the bench.
We anticipate Marcus Rashford to lead the line with standing captain Bruno Fernandes featuring in his customary number 10 position.
Antony, who bagged the winning goal against Barcelona off the bench, should be a confirmed starter on the right side of the club’s attack.
On the left wing, we would prefer Alejandro Garnacho over Jadon Sancho due to the former’s pace and direct running on the counter attack.
Garnacho definitely had more influence on Thursday night after coming on for Sancho. He indirectly played a part in Antony’s match-winner.
How Man Utd could line up vs Newcastle
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
