NEWCASTLE UNITED are heading to the rebuilt Wembley for the first time as they face Man Utd in the Carabao Cup final.
But a string of misfortunes for the Magpies is likely to slightly dampen excitement ahead of a tough clash with the Red Devils.
Despite beating Southampton home and away to qualify for the final, Eddie Howe’s Champions League chasers have gone well off the boil in the Premier League.
They are now four games without a win and suffered a humbling defeat to Liverpool last weekend.
But to make matters worse, goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off in the 2-0 loss to the Reds and will now miss the Wembley final.
And in a bizarre twist of fate, Newcastle are unable to call on backup goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, as he played for their opponents Man Utd during a loan spell.
The Slovak was between the sticks for Man Utd’s third round win over Aston Villa and fourth round win over Burnley.
That means that former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is likely to get the nod over Mark Gillespie.
And he will be desperate to perform better than his last appearance for an English club, where two howlers for Liverpool gifted Real Madrid the Champions League.
But United talisman Marcus Rashford is in a rich vein of form and will be able to scent blood a mile off if Karius is not up to the task.
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The England ace has already surpassed his best ever goal tally for a season, with three months still to play.
Therefore the onus at Wembley will be on Newcastle’s normally-reliable backline of Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier to provide Karius with extra protection.
What time does Man Utd vs Newcastle kick off?
- The Carabao Cup final will be held on Sunday, February 26.
- Kick-off is at 4.30pm.
- It takes place at Wembley Stadium.
- Last time the sides met, Newcastle ground out a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford back in October.
What TV channel is Man Utd vs Newcastle on and can I live stream it?
- The Carabao Cup final is live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
- Coverage commences at 3pm on Sky Sports Football and 3.30pm on Main Event.
- To stream the game live, head to Sky Go or get a Now TV Day Pass.
Latest odds
To win in 90 minutes
Man Utd 23/20
Draw 23/10
Newcastle 23/10
To win the Carabao Cup
Man Utd 13/20
Read More on The Sun
Newcastle 5/4
Odds from Betfair correct as of Tuesday, February 21
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
