Man Utd vs Newcastle: Carabao Cup Final team news and prediction
Manchester United take on Newcastle at Wembley today with the first piece of domestic silverware up for grabs.
Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the top of the table clash, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Sunday 26th February, 16:30 GMT
Where is the match?
Wembley Stadium, London
What TV channel is it on?
Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event
Route to the Final
Manchester United were imperious on their route to the final, scoring 14 goals, more than any other team, and conceding just the twice to book their place at Wembley as they beat Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest to get here. United last won a piece of silverware back in 2017 as they won the EFL Cup, and success today would mark a fine start to Erik ten Hag's era at the Old Trafford helm.
Newcastle weren't quite so dominant, but did enough to progress to the Carabao Cup showpiece. They had an extra game due to a lack of European involvement, beating Tranmere in August, and they too dispatched of Premier League sides in the form of Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Leicester and Southampton to set up a cup final meeting with United.
Team News
Erik ten Hag will hope to have star forward Marcus Rashford fit and available this afternoon after he sustained an ankle injury in United's midweek win over Barcelona, and he'll be given every opportunity to prove his fitness. Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are all absent for Ten Hag, who despite rotating throughout the competition, is expected to go with his strongest available XI, with Casemiro now available following a domestic ban.
Newcastle have issues between the sticks today. Nick Pope is suspended after his dismissal against Liverpool last weekend, while Martin Dubravka is ineligible having played for Sunday's opponents United earlier in the competition. As such, Loris Karius is set to make his first appearance for the Magpies today. Eddie Howe is without Emil Krafth due to injury, but key pair Joelinton and Joe Willock may be available for the Newcastle boss. Bruno Guimaraes returns following a ban, which is a huge boost for Howe, though Anthony Gordon is forced to miss out as, like Dubravka, he already featured in the Carabao Cup prior to his January switch.
Probable XIs
Man Utd (4231) - De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Fernandes, Weghorst, Sancho; Rashford
Newcastle (433) - Karius; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Key Battle: Casemiro vs Bruno Guimaraes
Two key men in each respective midfield returns from suspension for today's Carabao Cup final. Following his arrival from Real Madrid, Casemiro was eased into first team duties by Erik ten Hag, yet is now one of the first names on the Manchester United team sheet. The 31-year-old has proven to be more than just a ball winner with United, offering plenty in the final third, proving to be one of the signings of the season.
Just as Casemiro transformed United's midfield, compatriot Bruno Guimaraes did similar for Newcastle following his arrival from Lyon last January, and his absence in recent weeks has impacted the Magpies' domestic form. His return is a huge boost for Eddie Howe, who'll look to Guimaraes to dominate proceedings in the middle of the park.
Score prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle
