Football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the upcoming League Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United. Both teams have a lot to play for, as Manchester United aim to add another trophy to their impressive collection, while Newcastle United look to end their 47-year wait for silverware.

Manchester United go into the match having won two of their three League Cup meetings with Newcastle, with the last victory being a 2-1 home win back in 2012. The Red Devils have an impressive record in the competition, having won the trophy five times, which is second only to Liverpool’s 13 triumphs.

The team’s predicted lineup for the final includes De Gea in goal, with a defence consisting of Dalot, Varane, Martinez, and Shaw. The midfield will see Casemiro and Fred playing as holding midfielders, while Antony, Fernandes, and Sancho will play in the attacking midfield positions behind Rashford. Marcus has been in scintillating form in the competition, having been involved in 18 goals in his last 15 appearances, scoring 12 and assisting six.

On the other hand, Newcastle United will be hoping to end their 47-year wait for a League Cup trophy. The Magpies have lost their last four major finals, including the 1999 FA Cup final against Manchester United. However, manager Eddie Howe will be looking to draw on his experience in the competition, having won 22 matches since his first involvement in the tournament in the 2009-10 season.

Newcastle’s predicted lineup for the final includes Karius in goal, with Trippier, Schar, Botman, and Burn forming the back four. Guimaraes, Longstaff, and Willock will play in midfield, while Almiron, Wilson, and Joelinton will be in the attacking positions. Wilson will be a key player for the Magpies, having previously scored at Wembley for England in 2018.

Interestingly, Newcastle’s recent record at Wembley is a cause for concern, having lost their last eight matches at the stadium. This is the longest losing run by any team at Wembley in history. The last time the Magpies won at the national stadium was in the 1955 FA Cup final against Manchester City, a staggering 67 years and 295 days ago.

Conversely, Manchester United have played more matches at Wembley than any other team, with this final being their 53rd appearance at the stadium. They are also set to become the third team to play 20 neutral games at the stadium since its reopening in 2007, after Chelsea and Manchester City.

In terms of management, Erik Ten Hag of Manchester United is set to become the first Dutch manager to take charge of a League Cup final. Dutch managers have had success in English domestic cup finals in the past, with Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal, and Ruud Gullit all winning the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe will be looking to become the first Englishman to win the League Cup since Steve McClaren in 2004.