As the weather gets colder, the League Cup action heats up! It’s starting to get busy for clubs as the festive season beckons, but who will progress to the next round? Manchester United, the current holders, find themselves once again in turmoil. For Newcastle United, they’re are at the start of their big money journey. Could this be their first silverware under the new regime?
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Manchester United vs Newcastle United Preview
This Wednesday we see a replay of last season’s final. For one team, this will be the end of the road, with the other progressing and becoming a favourite to go all the way. The two clubs find themselves with very different fortunes at the moment and the general vibes surrounding the clubs couldn’t be more different.
It’s probably best to get United out of the way first. Where do you even start? It seems the post-Fergie era and never-ending turmoil cycle may have just hit a new low. Last weekend’s Manchester derby loss was just another page in the big book of disappointing Manchester derby performances. It was summed up by the leaking roof in the background of Gary Neville’s post-match analysis, an ironic metaphor for the deep-rooted problems Manchester United find themselves in both on and off the pitch.
Things may look rough for the current EFL Cup holders. But, they are still the reigning champions of this trophy. They also, for all of their issues, still have a squad brimming with quality. The bags of money spent over the last few years have assembled a brilliant group of players. Although they have a lack of clear structure and plan when they are out on the pitch, most sides in world football would swap squads in a heartbeat.
But Old Trafford is currently a footballing volcano ready to explode. There is immense pressure on Erik ten Hag and his side. The Dutchman is now in the firing line. He has had a whole summer to sort his squad out and bring in his players and they are still struggling to find any sort of rhythm, plan, or form. It’s a pretty bleak situation for United fans. At least you had the 90s.
Making things worse still, they are coming up against a side an the opposite end of the cycle. A club on an upward trajectory that’s as steep as United’s downfall. The sides could not be more opposed at the moment. Newcastle have a clear style, they are in a rhythm and Eddie Howe is getting every single ounce out of every player. They look, currently, like one of the best sides in Europe.
After beating juggernauts Manchester City in the last round, the Toon will fancy their chances against anyone. They are bang in form and will fly into this one knowing how much pressure is on this United side to get a result. However, the holders United have been able to pull results out of nowhere before. Could we see another miracle?
Latest EFL Cup Betting Odds
Manchester United, despite recent form, still come into this one as the slight favourites. They are at home and 2.13 to take this one and progress to the next round. Newcastle find themselves as slight outsiders at 3.35 but will fancy their chances. The draw is placed at 3.35.
In terms of goalscorers, Rasmus Hojlund is tipped to open the scoring at 6.20, with Callum Wilson just a dot behind him at 6.40. Marcus Rashford and Alexander Isak are both 6.50 and also likely to break the deadlock in this one.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Betting Tips
Bet Builder: Newcastle to win, one team to score and under 3.5 goals @ 5.25
Newcastle will come into this one really fancying their chances. They are flying and the two sides look like chalk and cheese. Their impressive clean sheet record, especially away from home, could be a defining factor here.
First goalscorer: Anthony Gordon @ 9.50
Its been an incredible start to life at Newcastle for Gordon. He’s been one of their star men and the only thing missing is goals. Its could be his turn to open the scoring away at United and continue his great form.
Over 4.5 cards @ 2.50
There seems to be a discipline issue at United. Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, is known for losing his rag and they were very, very lucky to finish the Manchester derby with 11. If they crash out here things could get nasty.
*Odds subject to change.
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