Manchester United and Newcastle United will seek to win their first trophy this season when they face off in the Carabao Cup finals on Sunday at Wembley.
Both teams have been incredible in reaching this season’s Carabao Cup finals. Manchester United has been in fine form heading into the finals. Their victory over Barcelona in the Europa League playoff will give Erik Ten Hag’s side the needed confidence to see out Newcastle United at Wembley on Sunday.
Newcastle United are winless in their last four games and lost their first home game against Liverpool in the Premier League. The Magpies are heading to Wembley without Goalkeeper Nick Pope. The England international was suspended after receiving a red card against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Arsenal Icon Paul Merson has revealed that he expects Manchester United to win the Carabao Cup, with the absence of Nick Pope a big blow for Newcastle United.
What is Paul Merson’s prediction for the Carabao Cup finals?
Previewing the Carabao Cup on Sportkeeda, Merson said: “If there was one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss in this final, it would be Nick Pope. He has won them so many points this season.
“I’d be shocked if Newcastle won this one without Pope in goal. He is that big for Newcastle United. Unfortunately, he is suspended, and that’s going to cost Newcastle dearly.
“When they’re keeping clean sheets, Pope is making big saves. Off the top of my head, in the draw against Arsenal, he made a world-class save to deny Eddie Nketiah.
“Manchester United are going to create chances, and they are going to score goals. Put Rashford down for one goal already. He is playing so well that you’ll be shocked if he doesn’t score in this game.
“United are the team to beat in the final. Newcastle United are not a free-scoring side. They don’t blow teams away.
“If they don’t score two or three goals, they are not winning this one. I just don’t see them doing that against United on Sunday.
“For me, the Magpies are desperate to win a trophy more than getting into the top four, and these players can attain legendary status if they win silverware.
“Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that will happen. I’m going 2-1 to Man United.”
Manchester United will likely be without Marcus Rashford for the finals against Newcastle United.
