Carabao Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle fans including Ant and Dec flock like Magpies into Wembley ahead of Carabao cup final kick-off with Man Utd

      by

      THOUSANDS of excitable Newcastle United fans, including Ant and dec, have descended on London ahead of this afternoon’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Geordies dressed in black and white stripes have taken over the capital in the hope their side scores its first major trophy in 54 years.
      Ant and Dec have arrived decked out in Newcastle scarvesCredit: James Curley
      ewcastle United fans arrive on Wembley Way prior to the Carabao Cup Final matchCredit: Getty
      The Carabao Cup Final takes place todayCredit: Rex
      Newcastle fans Lee Patrick, 35 and Barry Davey 39, in Leicester SquareCredit: Louis Wood
      Newcastle United fans arrive at Wembley before the matchCredit: Reuters
      A group of Magpies supporters in Trafalgar Square ahead of the big gameCredit: PA
      More Geordies getting ready for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Louis Wood
      Fans at Wembley Stadium ahead of today’s big matchCredit: Getty
      The Toon Army tied a huge flag to The Angel of the North in Gateshead yesterday morning before flocking down south.
      As the sun set, they then gathered in Trafalgar Square for an all-night party before today’s clash against Manchester United.
      Many are back again this afternoon, waving scarves and personalised banners, before the big game.
      Others are already at Wembley to soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
      READ MORE CARABAO CUP
      It the team’s first appearance in the final of a key tournament since losing 2-0 to United in the 1998/99 FA Cup final.
      The 32,761 tickets allocated to the club at the 90,000-seater stadium sold out within a week and the travelling Magpies supporters have wasted no time getting acquainted with London.
      Congregating last night, they sang terrace chants, downed cans of beer and let off smoke bombs in the club’s colours.
      Even co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi got involved, posting a photo on social media of him with fellow director Jamie Reuben enjoying the festivities with their hoods up.
      Most read in Football
      One middle-aged fan even stripped to his boxers to take a dip in one of Trafalgar Square’s two fountains.
      Other football nuts gathered around Nelson’s Column to shouts of, “Tell me ma, me ma, I won’t be home for tea, we’re going to Wembley” to the tune of 1950s hit Que Sera, Sera.
      Another chant saw an alternative rendition of gospel hymn When the Saints Go Marching In, with “Saints” replaced by “Mags”.
      Newcastle have enjoyed a rapid rise up the Premier League table since the arrival of Mr Ghodoussi, Mr Reuben and other new investors.
      Their Saudi Arabia-led consortium has funded more than £210million of new signings since taking over the club in October 2021.
      Managed by Eddie Howe, Newcastle sit fifth in the Premier League, just one point behind Tottenham Hotspur in the final Champions League qualification spot.
      Victory over Man Utd in tonight’s final would secure the club a play-off place in next season’s Europa Conference League.
      It would be the first time Newcastle have played in Europe since the 2012/13 campaign, when they reached the quarter-final stage of the Europa League.
      A win today would also be Newcastle’s first major trophy since lifting the Fairs Cup in 1969.
      Connor white, 24, 2nd Jack Pennington, 20, ready to cheer on their sideCredit: Louis Wood
      Wembley Way as fans start to arrive for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s biggest obstacle might be fatigue but there are three areas Ten Hag will target to win the Carabao Cup final

      by

      IT’s the first cup final of the season and the start of the ‘squeaky bum time’ period.  Firstly, credit to Newcastle United who have been transformed under Eddie Howe since he was appointed in November 2021.  
      Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd will contest the Carabao Cup final against NewcastleCredit: Rex
      The Red Devils faced opponents Newcastle earlier on in the season, with the game finishing 0-0 at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      They have a genuine chance of finishing in the Champions League places and compete on Sunday in their first cup final since 1999 – which incidentally was against tomorrow’s opponents Manchester United.  
      Not many finals are entertaining for the neutral, but with contrasting styles, this is unlikely to make extra-time.
      United and Newcastle have faced each other once this season at Old Trafford in the Premier League, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw – but as we saw during the midweek victory against Barcelona, this is a different Man Utd team now. 
      Such has been the progress under Erik ten Hag, his side are expected to win every game they play – but to win a trophy in his first season in charge, given how they started back in August, would be a superb and richly deserved achievement.   
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      So what might stop them other than Newcastle’s desire to win some silverware for the first time since 1955? 
      United’s biggest obstacle might be fatigue.
      A gruelling February has seen them play seven times already, the cup final against Newcastle will be their eighth match of the month.
      In comparison, Newcastle have played only three times, and have had a week to prepare for the Wembley showpiece.  
      Most read in Football
      Marcus Rashford has five goals in the competition
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Casemiro’s suspension and Antony’s recent injury means that they will almost certainly start and provide a “freshness” that ten Hag will welcome.
      In defence Lisandro Martinez should be partnered by multiple Champions League winner Raphael Varane, providing the Frenchman can play a second game in quick succession this week.  
      Marcus Rashford’s ‘knock’ against Barcelona means he will have a race against time to be fit, but you’d be surprised if he didn’t start given the magnitude of the match. 
      How will Ten Hag win the Carabao Cup?
      Ten Hag praised Newcastle and Howe for how they’ve performed this season but he will want his side to take control of possession as early as possible.
      One concern in recent weeks has been the speed in which United start matches.
      Against Leeds at Old Trafford it took the home team an hour to get going, and in the Europa League tie against Barcelona on Thursday, it took until just after half-time and Fred’s goal for United to start playing.  
      Another tactical factor to keep an eye out for is tempo.
      If United play quick, one-touch football in that final third, then they’re as dangerous as anyone in Europe, and Newcastle will  find them difficult to stop.  
      The final match winning aspect of United’s team is the experience and culture Ten Hag has developed.
      Varane, Martinez, Casemiro, Antony and De Gea are all tipped to start tomorrow and have all won major trophies in their career.
      Read More on The Sun
      If tiredness is a factor or Newcastle start applying pressure, the minutes played and trophies these players have accumulated over the years will be very beneficial.  
      Come on United! 
      How Man Utd could line up at Wembley
      How the two Brazilian stars compare More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle Wag Diletta Leotta stunned as she turns up to Trafalgar Square to see thousands of Toon fans having huge party

      by

      NEWCASTLE wag Diletta Leotta was left stunned after witnessing the thousands of Toon fans at Trafalgar Square.Loris Karius’ girlfriend has jetted into London for the Carabao Cup final tomorrow.
      Diletta Leotta looked stunned seeing the thousands of Newcastle fansCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta
      Her partner Loris Karius is set to start in goal for ToonCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
      Dieletta appears to be covering the Carabao Cup final for DAZNCredit: Getty
      The Toon army has packed out Trafalgar Square ahead of the finalCredit: Alamy
      Fans have travelled in their thousands to the capitalCredit: PA
      Newcastle are in their first major final for 24 yearsCredit: Alamy
      Eddie Howe’s side take on Manchester United at WembleyCredit: PA
      One Magpie even climbed into a fountain

      And she went sightseeing today, taking in the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral before the biggest spectacle of all – thousands of raucous Newcastle fans.
      Diletta drove past the army of supporters in a black cab and her face was a picture of shock.
      Newcastle have not reached a major final for 24 years and fans have made the most of their trip to Wembley, including Premier League referee Michael Oliver.
      He was spotted at a packed-out Trafalgar Square ahead of the big day.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Some fans even jumped into the fountain, with one stripping down to his boxer shorts as he was egged on by his fellow Mags.
      Football presenter Diletta, 31, appears to be covering the game for DAZN but she will no doubt be cheering on partner Karius in what will be his Newcastle debut.
      The German, 29, has not played a competitive game for two years but is set to start in place of the suspended Nick Pope and cup-tied Martin Dubravka.
      But Magpies boss Eddie Howe is confident the keeper can deliver and use the final as an opportunity to resurrect his career.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He said: “It would be a magnificent chance for him to rewrite the story of his career. There’s been loads of stories through the times in football where these things have happened and there’s been a really positive outcome – or not.
      “As soon as it happened (Pope’s red card) there was a feeling of whether there was another page in Karius’ career to write. Who knows what that chapter will look like?
      “That’s the beauty of football. We never know what is going to happen. This unpredictability is what makes it such an amazing thing to watch.” More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd injury boost as Marcus Rashford pictured with squad travelling to Wembley for Carabao Cup final

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD and his Manchester United team-mates have arrived in London ahead of the Carabao Cup final.That is good news for United as Rashford is an injury doubt.
      Marcus Rashford is an injury doubt ahead of the finalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      David De Gea and Bruno Fernandes were in high spiritsCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Erik ten Hag is aiming to win his first trophy with Manchester UnitedCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The red-hot England star, 25, sparked injury concerns with a cryptic Instagram post following the 2-1 Europa League win over Barcelona.
      Erik ten Hag added that they would have to wait and see on the injury but Rashford has at least travelled so could be in contention to play.
      The striker arrived at the team hotel looking rather sombre, with United travelling to the Big Smoke via train.
      Team-mates Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea looked in high spirits and appeared to share a joke with one another.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Ten Hag also gave the camera a wry smile as he arrived looking smart in a coat and flat cap.
      The Dutchman is aiming to win his first trophy with United and his side have been boosted by the absence of Newcastle goalkeepers Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka.
      That means Liverpool flop Loris Karius is set to make his Toon debut, which will be his first competitive appearance for two years.
      The Magpies have also dipped in form in recent weeks, picking up just one win in their last seven league games.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      United will hope Rashford is fit to start but Ten Hag has made good use of his squad this season, with the Red Devils scoring more goals from substitutes than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd owner Avram Glazer set to attend Carabao Cup final in rare appearance as sale talks rumble on

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED owner Avram Glazer is reportedly set to be at Wembley for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.The Glazer family are going through the process of selling the club as bidders state an interest in purchasing the Premier League giants.
      Avram Glazer is set to attend the Carabao Cup final this weekendCredit: EPA
      American Avram, 62, has only been at Man Utd matches on a handful of occasions in recent times.
      He was last in attendance for Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge as they lost 2-1 at home to Brighton back in August.
      But he is set to fly over to England in a bid to see United claim their first silverware in nearly six years.
      The potential of a wholesale takeover from the likes of Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani or Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to add to the gravity of Avram’s Wembley visit.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      However, there is also still the possibility of the Glazers deciding against selling the club.
      This comes following reports that Avram remains “emotionally invested” in the project.
      That is despite frequent protests from the supporters, including on Thursday evening during their 2-1 win over Barcelona.
      Chants of “We want Glazers out” and “Stand up if you hate Glazers” could be heard inside Old Trafford.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      United have won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one Europa League, one FA Cup and four League Cups under the Glazers.
      But they have not lifted any trophies since Jose Mourinho guided them to a Europa League triumph in 2017.
      Along with the Carabao Cup final, United are also into the fifth round of the FA Cup and last-16 of the Europa League.
      They are also in with an outside chance of winning the Premier League title as they sit just five points behind table toppers Arsenal. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag reveals what Man Utd must win for open-top bus parade… and it’s NOT the Carabao Cup

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly insisted that there will not be an open-top bus parade if the Red Devils win the Carabao Cup.The Dutchman, 53, will have the opportunity to end United’s six-year trophy drought on Sunday when his team take on Newcastle at Wembley.
      Ten Hag has dismissed the prospect of an open-top bus paradeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      United will face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on SundayCredit: Getty
      However, despite the significance of the occasion, he has no interest in holding a parade, or any major celebrations, if they win.
      According to The Daily Mail, Ten Hag will only consider an open-top bus parade if the Red Devils win TWO trophies rather than just the Carabao Cup.
      The United boss is already understood to have told his staff and players that all focus will immediately switch to Wednesday’s FA Cup clash with West Ham after Sunday’s final.
      Ten Hag implemented a strict regime at Old Trafford when he became United manager last May in a bid to improve performance, so his reluctance to celebrate the Carabao Cup comes as no surprise.
      Read More on Man Utd
      Meanwhile, Newcastle have already planned a city centre parade for Tuesday in case Eddie Howe’s side claim the trophy.
      The Magpies last won a major trophy in 1955, meaning they will end a 68-year trophy drought if they defeat Man Utd at Wembley.
      However, it will prove to be a difficult challenge as the Red Devils are currently enjoying an incredible run of form.
      On Thursday, Ten Hag’s side completed an incredible comeback to defeat Barcelona and progress to the Europa League round-of-16.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      And they are flying high in the Premier League despite a poor start to the season.
      United still have the chance to win four trophies this season, including the Carabao Cup, the Europa League, the FA Cup and the Premier League. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Rio Ferdinand gives prediction for Man Utd v Newcastle Carabao Cup final after NAILING Barca result

      by

      RIO FERDINAND has revealed his prediction for the Carabao Cup final after correctly guessing Manchester United’s result against Barcelona. The Man Utd legend was in a jubilant mood following the 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, with Antony coming off the bench to net a stunning winner.
      Rio Ferdinand has given his prediction for the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The United legend was correct with his prediction of United vs BarcelonaCredit: @rioferdy5
      The Red Devils will take the trip down to Wembley tomorrow in the hopes of landing the club’s first trophy in over half a decade.
      And Ferdinand has provided fans with his prediction for the Newcastle clash after getting the Barca result spot on.
      Taking to Instagram, he said: “(Yelling) Antony, Antony, hahaha.
      “That’s what you want to see, people coming off the bench making an impact, not sulking, adding to the cause, getting us through to the next round.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “Man Utd beaten Barcelona, into the next round, top of La Liga, lets go. I’m not getting carried away. I can feel something, calm, cool, collected into the next round, let’s go man.
      “Weekend, (yelling) Carabao Cup final we’re going to be in there, Newcastle are going to be put down.
      “I said 2-1 today [and] I’m going 2-0 at the weekend. [Nick] Pope’s out, Newcastle out of form, Man Utd in form. We’re on the crest of a wave right now.”
      Arsenal legend Paul Merson provided a similar answer when asked for his prediction for the final.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      He said he would be “shocked” if Newcastle won the game due to the absence of Nick Pope.
      The England international’s suspension and No2 Martin Dubraka being cup-tied means Loris Karius is set to don the gloves for his Newcastle debut.
      However, Man Utd could go be forced to play the tie without Marcus Rashford, who is doubtful after picking up an injury in the win against Barcelona. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      How Newcastle lined up last time they won a cup as they face Man Utd in Carabao Cup final at Wembley

      by

      NEWCASTLE have been utterly starved of silverware in recent decades.You have to go back a staggering 68 years since the Toon’s last domestic trophy.
      Captain Jimmy Scoular lifted the trophy as Newcastle won the 1955 FA CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn was in the XI the last time the Toon won a domestic trophyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The Queen presented Newcastle with their FA Cup trophy following their third win of the 1950sCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      For nearly seven decades, Newcastle have tried and failed to lift a trophy on the hallowed Wembley turf.
      The Magpies reached back-to-back FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999 – but lost out on both occasions.
      Now, Eddie Howe aims to guide Newcastle to glory on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
      And for a huge portion of the Toon faithful, it will be the first time they’ll have seen their club lift a domestic trophy in their life.
      READ MORE SPORT STORIES
      Newcastle won three FA Cups in the 1950s – with their most-recent coming in the 1954-55 season.
      That year a legendary XI including Jackie Milburn beat Manchester City 3-1 to lift the famous trophy.
      The Toon beat a star-studded City team, featuring the likes of Don Revie and Bert Trautmann.
      Milburn kicked the game off with a bang in front of the 100,000-strong crowd at Wembley, scoring after just 45 SECONDS.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      How Newcastle lined up for their last Wembley final appearance in the FA Cup clash against Man City in 1955
      That was the fastest goal in FA Cup final history until Roberto Di Matteo’s strike for Chelsea after just 42 seconds of their win over Middlesbrough in 1997.
      But Newcastle – managed by Doug Livingstone – boasted a lethal front five for the game in North London.
      Club legend Milburn was joined by George Hannah, Vic Keeble, Len White and Bobby Mitchell in attack.
      Captain Jimmy Scoular started the game at what was then called “wing half” – essentially a defensive central midfielder – alongside Tommy Casey.
      Ronnie Simpson started in goal, with Bobby Cowell, Ron Batty and Bob Stokoe in defence.
      Newcastle fans will be hoping the likes of Miguel Almiron, Joelinton, Kieran Trippier, Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes can write their names in Toon folklore come Sunday. More