Preview: Manchester United vs. Newcastle – Team news and prediction

Last year's EFL Cup finalists are meeting tonight, and only one can advance. Manchester United won the final against Newcastle last year, so it's a rematch for the Magpies, while United aims to reclaim the title. Both teams have been inconsistent in this year's Premier League, with United recently receiving a football lesson against Manchester City, losing 3-0. Before that, they secured two victories against Brentford and Sheffield United without particularly impressing. Newcastle had a rough start to the season but has been finding form lately, although they had to settle for two draws in their last three Premier League matches, including the most recent one against Wolves.

United is under pressure from the outside, with experts, journalists, and fans unable to see any improvement in the squad this year. There is significant frustration in Manchester at the moment for those who support United, and they are certainly not satisfied with the team's performance. There is immense pressure on Ten Hag.

Last five meetings between United and Newcastle: 
2-0: Newcastle vs. United
2-0: United vs. Newcastle
0-0: United vs. Newcastle
1-1: Newcastle vs. United
4-1: United vs. Newcastle 

There is no doubt that both teams have their focus on the Premier League and the Champions League this season, so it will be interesting to see if the two managers rest some players in an already packed schedule. On the other hand, this is also one of the biggest opportunities for both teams to win a title this year, as the Premier League and Champions League titles are becoming increasingly challenging to secure.

Team news: 
Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez are officially out with injuries, while there is significant doubt regarding Casemiro and Wan-Bissaka, who were not available against Manchester City. It is expected that key players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will be rested and may not start, while there is uncertainty about whether it will be Hojlund or Martial in the starting lineup for the attack.

Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Lewis Miley, and Sven Botman are still injured and not available for the match. Sandro Tonali has been charged with a betting violation and is suspended for the next 10 months, so he will not be back on the field until August next year.

Man United expected lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Amrabat, Eriksen; Antony, Mount, Garnacho; Hojlund.

Newcastle expected lineup: 
Pope; Livramento, Schar, Lascelles, Targett; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Gordon.

Prediction: 
United is facing significant offensive problems, with both Antony and Hojlund yet to score in the Premier League this season, so the match might turn into a tight and tactical affair. However, United has traditionally had a good record against Newcastle, especially at Old Trafford. The recent form of both teams slightly favors Newcastle, so we predict that tonight's match will end in a draw at odds of 3.50.