A HURTING Manchester United welcome an injury-hit Newcastle United for a midweek Carabao Cup game.
United suffered a painful 3-0 home loss to neighbours Manchester City where they were outclassed, outplayed and the gulf between the two clubs was illustrated to the watching millions.
Erik ten Hag's team are miles away from challenging in the league and you would imagine that this is probably their only realistic chance of silverware this season.
He cited the penalty awarded against them to City as a turning point, but they are light years away from the levels of City, Arsenal, Liverpool and probably plenty of others at a club that forever seems to be mired deep in a crisis.
But they won't get a better chance of beating Newcastle, who are struggling badly for injuries. They had to settle for a draw at Wolves at the weekend, but their bench included two goalkeepers and five full-backs in the nine allowed.
They are set to be without the injured Elliot Anderson, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman and Lewis Miley, not to mention the banned Sandro Tonali.
It's likely Eddie Howe will field plenty of kids with Newcastle facing upcoming crunch games against Arsenal at home and a rematch against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in Germany.
How the bookies view it
Manchester United are favourites here at 6/5 with Betfred. Newcastle United can be backed at 5/2 with Boylesports and the draw is also 5/2 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
Manchester United beat Newcastle in the final of this competition last year. But the Geordies won 2-0 on Tyneside and claimed a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
Newcastle havent won at the ground for ten years.
Players to watch
Rasmus Hojlund hasn't exactly hit the ground running at United after his £72 million summer transfer and has yet to score in the league. The Dane has scored three goals in Europe though and is 2/1 to net anytime with Paddy Power.
Callum Wilson scored a double at the weekend at Molineux and is 11/4 to score anytime on Wednesday with Betfair.
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester United simply have to win this game to give their fans any semblance of optimism for the season and they should be too strong for what will likely be a much-changed Newcastle side.
The Toon Army have been showing signs of fatigue recently and this is a good chance for Eddie Howe to use his fringe players with bigger challenges on the horizon.
Frankly, you are never certain with this United side against anyone, but odds-against against a makeshift Geordies has to be backed.
Even with half a side, Newcastle can still score against that Manchester United defence so try and a home win and both teams to score at an enticing 10/3 with bet365.
This EFL Cup match between Manchester United and Newcastle United will be played on Nov 1, 2023 and kick off at 20:15. 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.