Manchester United will host Newcastle United in the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford. In a repeat of last season’s final, in which the Reds came out on top meaning only one team can progress to the next round. We had put three past Crystal Palace in the previous round as we cruised into the last 16 of the competition. Whilst, our opponents ended our local rivals Manchester City’s hopes of a quadruple by winning 1-0.
Since triumphing at Wembley back in February which had ended our six year wait for a trophy, United’s form has waned and suffered an embarrassing defeat in the Manchester Derby on Sunday. The first half saw the odd moments in which the Reds failed to capitalised as City soon showed how ruthless they can be as a Erling Haaland brace and Phil Foden adding a third goal that saw Old Trafford turn into the Theatre of Nightmares.
Pep Guardiola’s side snapped United’s previous three game winning run. However, the reality is that those performances over Brentford, Sheffield United and FC Copenhagen were unconvincing. Though the 3-0 victory over Palace in round three was a more pleasant experience. The Reds come into this match having come through each of their last five fourth-round ties in the League Cup. It is not since 2015 that we have exited the competition at this stage to a penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough.
United have already seen their seventh defeat of the season and a fifth from their opening ten Premier League games for the first time since the 1986/87 season. The fans will be hoping to see some respite in the wake of the Manchester Derby defeat.
Manchester United Team News
Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez are all still absent for the Red Devils on Wednesday. Meanwhile it has been two months since Jadon Sancho has been excluded from the first team squad. Neither Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were fit for the game against City, though both could be in contention to face Newcastle if they shake off their respective injuries.
Ten Hag may look to rotate some of his underperforming players with Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho and a fit-again Kobbie Mainoo being given a chance in the starting eleven. Andre Onana is set to be between sticks with Atlay Bayindir still waiting for his first start for the club.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Amrabat, Eriksen; Antony, Mount, Garnacho and Hojlund.
Opposition Preview
Newcastle’s victory over the European Champions Manchester City in the previous round came in the midst of a good run of form in which they beat Sheffield United 8-0 and Paris Saint-German 4-1 in Europe’s elite competition. However, the Magpies form in the last couple of weeks has been mixed. A 4-0 win against Crystal Palace with a 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League mixed between a pair of 2-2 draws against West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.
Newcastle United head to Old Trafford with one win in their last six away games. They have not been beaten in the fourth round of the League Cup since the 2004/05 season and have come through their last nine games at this stage.
Newcastle United Team News
Our opponents are now without Sandro Tonali after being banned for 10 months for betting breaches meaning that he will not return for the Magpies until next August.
Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Lewis Miley and third-round match winner Alexander Isak will not be available for Eddie Howe’s side through injury. Sven Botman’s knee injury is not expected to heal in time to feature against the Reds. Eddie Howe may decide to make changes to the side like he did against City. Tino Livramento, Matt Targett and Joe Willock could all potentially play.
Form Guide
Manchester United League Cup form: W
Manchester United (all competitions): LLWWWL
Newcastle United League Cup form: W
Newcastle United form (all competitions): WWDWLD
Prediction
United’s form has been so inconsistent this season as our attacking line up have not been firing as they should. Newcastle’s poor away record will give the Reds the hope they can advance into the next round and look to retain the League Cup.
Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle United
