The EFL Cup final is upon us as Manchester United and Newcastle prepare to lock horns at Wembley. Both are enjoying strong league campaigns thus far, but Ray Parlour has emphasised in an exclusive interview with NetBet that Newcastle ‘deserve some success’.
We’ve previewed the upcoming final with expert insight from Parlour, picking out some of our best betting tips from the latest football odds.
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EFL Cup Final: Manchester United vs Newcastle
Sunday 26th February, 4:30pm
Wembley Stadium, London
Live on Sky Sports Main Event
Manchester United vs Newcastle Football Preview
It’s been a long, painful wait for Magpies fans – their last domestic trophy was the FA Cup victory in 1955 – and Ray Parlour believes it’s about time they got their hands on some silverware.
“It’s so, so important for Newcastle. I played against them in 1998 when they were in the FA Cup final, they have such great fans. They go everywhere and deserve some success.”
“If Newcastle did win it, the supporters would party on for many days like you wouldn’t believe!”
While Newcastle might be in the midst of a drought, trophies have also been hard to come by for United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Both sets of fans will arrive in London full of optimism following incredible transformations at the hands of Eddie Howe and Erik ten Hag. It cannot be overlooked how crucial this game could be in the development of these two sides.
Newcastle pride themselves on a rock-solid defence, and Parlour thinks we could be in for a tight affair as a result.
“Newcastle defensively are superb but Marcus Rashford is on fire. United will be favourites but I can see this going to extra time. I don’t think there will be lots of goals and it could go all the way – then it’s the toss of a coin.”
EFL Cup Final Odds
United will head into the final as 2.20 favourites to win in 90 minutes, with Newcastle 3.23 underdogs and a draw priced at 3.28. Both teams to score is currently at 1.77, with either to keep a clean sheet at 1.97.
It was a 0-0 draw when these two met in the Premier League earlier this season, with a tie and under 2.5 goals priced at 4.10 for the EFL Cup final.
Parlour thinks the in-form Marcus Rashford could have a huge say in the outcome of this match, with the 25-year-old favourite to score anytime at 2.56. His compatriot Callum Wilson (3.20) is seen as most likely to get on the scoresheet for Newcastle.
EFL Cup Final Betting Tips
Draw – 3.28
Not only have the previous two meetings between United and Newcastle ended all square, the Magpies have picked up a fair few draws this season. In fact, Howe’s side have drawn 11 of their 23 league games, one more than they have won. We could be in for a cagey affair as the two finalists try and work each other out.
Under 2 goals – 2.53
Newcastle aren’t involved in many end-to-end thrillers – they have conceded one goal or less in 22 of their last 24 matches. However, they have also failed to score more than once in eight of their previous 11. These are great odds for a single goal to decide the game or your stake back for exactly two goals.
Bruno Fernandes anytime goalscorer – 3.75
Yes, Rashford is in ridiculous form, and Newcastle will be doing everything in their power to stop him as a result. They are one of the soundest defensive outfits in Europe and will likely have a plan tailored to stopping the United forward. The more bodies Rashford distracts, the more space that leaves elsewhere – Bruno Fernandes could be the man to benefit.
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