MOST LIKELY LINE UPS FOR BOTH SIDES
It's been a long time since both teams last won a trophy and both will be determined to end their respective droughts in this final.
Man United have made significant progress under Erik Ten Hag this season and a trophy at the end of his first season would mark an outstanding season for him and his team. He's brought an identity back to the football club and also a feel good factor which has been missing for some time.
They'll have Casemiro back for this game after missing their previous three league games through suspension. United may not have lost during his absence but he was still a miss as their midfield was broken quite easily without him. But with the Brazilian back United's midfield should look more secure and composed. Casemiro certainly brings both to the table.
Newcastle will also have a key player back from suspension for this game in Bruno Guimaraes who missed their last three games for the red card he picked up in their semi final win over Southampton. The Magpies missed Guimaraes a lot during his absence as they lacked that player who could dictate play in midfield which was also broken through quite easily.
But the Magpies will be without Nick Pope who is suspended for his red card against Liverpool meaning that they'll have to play third choice keeper Loris Karius with second choice Martin Dubravka cup tied. Not having Pope available will be a massive blow as he's been one of the main reasons why had such a solid defence this season. Karius meanwhile hasn't played a game for two years and is best remembered for that nightmare Champions League final during his time at Liverpool which he'll want to put behind him.
The last trophy Newcastle won was the FA Cup back in 1955 and the last time they reached a cup final was back 1999 where they faced Man United's treble winning side in the FA Cup. Their fans have waited a long time for a day like this and both they and the players will surely be up for this game.
PREDICTION: 2-0
I'm backing Man United to win this one because they're more used to these kind of games than Newcastle have been over the years. Newcastle not having Pope will impact them defensively as they'll have a keeper who they're unfamiliar with and may feel rusty having not played for a couple of years. With this likely to impact them and the quality United have in forward areas, this should be a straight forward win for Erik ten Hag's side.
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