by Manchester United and Newcastle will face off in the League Cup final on Sunday, both desperate for success.
In the case of Man Utd, the waiting period is six years; for Newcastle, the glory days are significantly further away.
The trophy cabinet at St James’ Park was last opened to receive significant silverware in 1969, when Joe Harvey’s side won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, and they have not tasted domestic glory since moving to the North East with the FA from Wembley in 1955 Cup have returned for the third time in five years.
Under the circumstances, it’s little wonder that reaching the finals this season has captured the imagination of fans, only a handful of whom can recall those blissful days.
By comparison, Manchester United’s need is still in its infancy, although the yearning is no less great among fans who have grown accustomed to honours.
When is the Carabao Cup final?
This season’s final takes place on Sunday 26th February at Wembley Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
Is the Carabao Cup final on TV?
Yes. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
The main topics of conversation
Can Newcastle end the long wait for silverware?
It has been 24 years since the Magpies last featured in a major cup final – a 2-0 loss to their opponents on Sunday in the 1999 FA Cup final 1969 did not have a big trophy in their cabinet, had to wait a long time. An end to this drought this weekend would make a memorable campaign one to remember .
Can Man Utd end relative trophy drought?
Many clubs would be quite happy to have won a major competition as recently as 2017, but United are a different beast. The Old Trafford giants have not won a trophy since Jose Mourinho guided them to Europa League glory, meaning the club are enduring their worst trophy drought in 40 years. In the six years since that win in Stockholm, they have lost the 2018 FA Cup and 2021 Europa League finals, meaning their 10th League Cup final means a lot more than their last triumph in competition against Southampton in 2017. There is also hope that impressive coach Erik ten Hag’s first trophy could herald an era of success.
Can Howe establish himself as a Newcastle hero?
Earlier this month, Eddie Howe was given a hero’s welcome on his first return to Bournemouth, where he spent a total of 22 years as a player and then manager before leaving for good in 2020. The 45-year-old is the greatest manager in the Cherries’ history, taking them from the Second Division to the Premier League, and now has a chance to place himself among the greats at St James’ Park. Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan failed to cap their successful reign with a trophy, but Howe has a chance to do so with a win under the arch on Sunday.
Boys from Brazil prepare to fight
There are Brazilians on both sides who could decide Sunday’s final. Joelinton looked like an expensive flop in his early years at St James’ Park but the move to midfield proved inspired and has seen him become a key wheel in a side where compatriot Bruno Guimaraes is the star . The popular 25-year-old’s midfield battle with international team-mate Casemiro at Wembley promises to be exciting. The final will be the former Real Madrid player’s first domestic game after he was suspended for three games for violent behavior, while Guimaraes has not played since he was sent off for a shocking tackle in the semi-final second leg win over Southampton last month was asked. United also have the fit Antony and Fred to call on – two more Brazilian stars ready to make Wembley shine.
Can Karius fill the void left by Pope?
Nick Pope has proven to be a brilliant signing for the Magpies but the goalkeeper will be forced to watch the final from the stands after being sacked in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat by Liverpool because he played outside of his area. From a Newcastle perspective it’s a crushing blow, compounded by the fact that back-up Martin Dubravka is tied in the Cup after playing twice in the Carabao Cup while on loan at Old Trafford earlier in the season. It will likely be Loris Karius’ first competitive appearance in two years, perhaps best remembered for the goals he conceded in former club Liverpool’s 3-1 final defeat by Real Madrid in 2018, which proved to be his last Game for FC turned red. Boss Howe has urged the German goalkeeper to ‘rewrite the history of his career’.
How were the results in the semifinals?
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Who are the latest odds?
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Manchester United 4/6
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Newcastle United 32/21
Odds current as of February 23rd
