NEWCASTLE'S Saudi owners will be hoping for an early return on their massive investment as the Magpies head into the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester United looking to land their first piece of major silverware since 1969.
When Eddie Howe was appointed last season with Newcastle in the midst of a relegation battle, only the most optimistic of fans would have thought they'd be challenging for a top-four spot in the following campaign and running out in a cup final.
But that's exactly what has happened, although Howe's side will have to overcome a Manchester United team in red-hot form if they're to savour major success for the first time since that 1969 Fairs Cup triumph in Europe.
While Newcastle United are looking to end a decades-long wait for glory, the Red Devils are still in the hunt for four trophies in a single season after Thursday's epic Europa League win over Barcelona, a match that saw two bets land for our man Mark.
The speed of Erik Ten Hag's Old Trafford revolution has been even quicker than the Howe revival on Tyneside, with the Dutchman lifting Manchester United out of their slumber since arriving in the summer.
It's now just one defeat in 19 for Ten Hag's side, away to Premier League leaders Arsenal, and they have built up incredible momentum.
Just how much Thursday's game has taken out of them remains to be seen but Manchester United head into the final in much better form than Newcastle, who have gone three matches without a win since beating Southampton in the semi-finals.
How the bookies view it
Manchester United are odds-on favourites to lift the trophy at a best 7/10 with VBet but the odds increase to 21/17 at SBK if you back them to win inside 90 minutes. Newcastle are 5/2 at Unibet to triumph without extra time and penalties, while SBK make price them at 14/9 to end that trophy drought.
Recent head to head
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six games against Newcastle, although the last two meetings have ended level. Neutrals will be hoping there's not a repeat of the Old Trafford clash earlier this season which ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The last time these sides met in a cup final was in 1999 when Manchester United won 2-0 in the FA Cup Final en route to an historic treble.
Players to watch
After netting for five successive games, Marcus Rashford finally drew a blank for Manchester United against Barcelona on Thursday night. He will still be Ten Hag's greatest goal threat at Wembley if he's fit after an injury scare and is 7/4 at Unibet for anytime scorer.
Allan Saint-Maximin's return to fitness has been a major boost for Newcastle in the run-up to the cup final. He was superb against Liverpool last weekend after the Magpies went down to 10 men and should relish the Wembley stage. The Frenchman is overpriced for a goal at 15/2 with Unibet who also price him a tempting 13/10 just to have a shot on target.
Anything else catch the eye?
Howe will need to turn to third-choice keeper Loris Karius, with No.1 Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup tied. His last appearance in a cup final was disastrous in Liverpool colours as he handed victory to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League showpiece. I'd expect Manchester United will test him with some early efforts on goal so I like the 10/11 on offer at Unibet for Ten Hag's side to have over 4.5 shots on target.
The half-time draw is always a good option in cup finals as teams size each other up and that bet pays 6/5 with Bet365. I also like the 5/4 on offer at McBookie for either side to win by a one-goal margin.
I'd expect a few flying tackles with so much on the line and over 3.5 cards looks good at 9/10 with Unibet. Odds are longer for individual players and Sean Longstaff seems overpriced at 15/2 (Bet365) as the local lad will be desperate to help Newcastle win.
This EFL Cup match between Manchester United and Newcastle United will be played on Feb 26, 2023 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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