The Carabao Cup final is upon us, with Newcastle United taking on Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday.
It is going to be Newcastle‘s first final appearance since 1999, while the 2017 Carabao Cup was the last domestic trophy that Man United won.
Eddie Howe’s side have the chance to make history at Wembley, and his team will immortalise themselves on Tyneside if they are able to end the club’s trophy drought that has gone on since 1969.
The Toon boss has plenty of big decision to make for the final, and this is our predicted Newcastle starting lineup to face Man United
Loris Karius makes his Newcastle debut
All the talk in the buildup to the final has been about who will play in goal for Newcastle. Nick Pope is suspended for the final after receiving a red card in the previous game against Liverpool.
That means Loris Karius is in line to make his Toon debut…at Wembley…in the club’s biggest game in years. It is some occasion for the German – he can make himself a Newcastle legend with one iconic performance.
The 29-year-old will have the Premier League’s meanest defence in front of him, with Howe having no reason to make any chances. However, he should be able to welcome Matt Target back to the bench.
Joe Willock predicted to make the bench
Speaking of the bench, that is where Joe Willock will be. He has been out of action with a hamstring injury, and has been facing a race against time to prove his fitness.
The 23-year-old has been pictured in training ahead of the final, but will probably only be fit enough for the bench.
That will mean Howe goes with a midfield three of Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Having Bruno back is a huge boost, as he has missed the Magpies’ previous three games due to suspension.
But he is back for the final – despite initially thinking he was going to miss out when he was sent off against Southampton in the semi final.
Callum Wilson takes Alexander Isak’s place in the Newcastle starting lineup
Newcastle’s third and final change should see Callum Wilson come in for 23-year-old striker Alexander Isak. The number nine started on the bench against Liverpool, but it feels likely that he will start ahead of the £63million man at Wembley.
Howe is likely going to lean on Wilson’s experience, while it also means that he has a great option in Isak off the bench.
Wilson will be joined in attack by Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, who will look to pick up where he left off after a fantastic performance against Liverpool.
Predicted XI vs Man United: Karius; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
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