Last year’s finalists Manchester United and Newcastle United will battle each other in the EFL Cup. The Magpies ruined Manchester City’s quadruple ambitions with a thrilling one-goal victory. Erik ten Hag’s team cruised into the round of sixteen with three goals past Crystal Palace.
Preview (Manchester United vs Newcastle United)
Man United’s dominance has somewhat diminished since they left Eddie Howe’s team heartbroken at Wembley as they celebrated the end of their six-year trophy drought, and the defending EFL Cup champions were absolutely terrible in Sunday’s Manchester derby. A cacophony of jeers at full time as the Theatre of Dreams transformed into an auditorium of nightmares followed a few moments of promise in the first five minutes, but Ten Hag’s tepid troops were brought crashing back down to earth by an Erling Haaland brace before the Norwegian turned provider for Phil Foden to tap home.
Pep Guardiola’s three-time champions Liverpool ended Man United’s winning streak of three games on Sunday. Their 3-0 victory over Palace in the third round was a rare instance of enjoyment. Man United has advanced from each of their previous five fourth-round EFL Cup matches. The Red Devils are vying for their seventh tournament victory.
Howe’s team has not been overly successful over the last two weeks. The Magpies’ 8-0 thumping of the European champions occurred in the midst of a glorious purple period. They also soundly defeated Paris Saint-Germain. Newcastle has only triumphed in one of its last four games, a 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace. However, just a few weeks later, at St. James’ Park, they achieved a well-earned 2-0 victory. Now, part two will involve trying to unseat their unmotivated Carabao rivals.
Team News
Luke Shaw (muscle), Adalito Diallo (knee), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Lisandro Martinez (foot), as well as Jadon Sancho, who has been excluded from the starting lineup for the past two months, will all be out for the Red Devils on Wednesday, just as they were against Manchester City. Both men should have a chance to recover in time for Newcastle’s visit. Although Adrian Onana was selected above Altay Bayindir by Ten Hag, Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, and a healthy-again Kobie Mainoo might all provide something new. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for betting violations went into effect over the weekend, marking the official start of Newcastle’s life without the Italy international. The £55 million summer acquisition won’t be wearing the black and white jersey again until August.
Howe will not have access to Harvey Barnes (ankle), Elliott Anderson (back), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Lewis Miley (sickness), or third-round match winner Isak (groin). Additionally, it is unlikely that Sven Botman’s knee issue will resolve in time for Wednesday’s match. Howe, who wasn’t scared to make a few changes against Man City. He could put his faith in players like Joe Willock, Matt Targett, and Tino Livramento. They opened the score in April’s two-goal victory over the Red Devils. Man United’s expensively formed attacking group is currently struggling for whatever reason, and adding a few new players won’t help Ten Hag find the answer to his puzzle in any part of the field.
Manchester United 1 – 2 Newcastle United
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