Newcastle United will be looking to win the League Cup for the first time in their history on Sunday when they face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final.
Following a 3-1 aggregate win over Southampton in the last round, Newcastle claimed their spot in the Carabao Cup final, facing Man United who beat Nottingham Forest 5-0 on aggregate to book their spot at Wembley. This is the first time since 1976 that the Magpies have reached a League Cup final, and if victorious, it would also be the first trophy won under Eddie Howe.
Newcastle have met United just once already this season, drawing 0-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Loris Karius is set to make his Newcastle debut in the cup final on Sunday, with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied.
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So, who will emerge victorious in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday? We simulated the game to find out.
We simulated Manchester United vs Newcastle to get a score prediction
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 23 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Manchester United could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows:De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Sancho, Weghorst, Garnacho.
We predict that the Magpies could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Karius; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.
Newcastle tested Manchester United multiple times early on, but David De Gea made a handful of impressive saves to deny the Magpies who looked dangerous on the front foot. A big influence in the attack was Bruno Guimaraes, and the Brazilian managed to open the scoring on his return to the squad.
Guimaraes ran the midfield in the first half, and he kickstarted the attack when he won the ball off Fred deep in Man United's half. The Brazilian played a one-two with Callum Wilson to break into the box, and his driven finish was well-placed, skimming past De Gea and into the far corner.
Karius was called into action not long after when Alejandro Garnacho broke through on goal, and the German made a huge save to keep the Magpies ahead. The 'keeper had to make a few more saves as Man United put the pressure on towards the end of the half, but in the 45th minute, Newcastle doubled their lead.
Joelinton beat Aaron Wan-Bissaka to a long ball down the left, setting the Brazilian free with Wilson in support. The striker received the ball from Joelinton and his original shot was blocked by Raphael Varane, but with his second attempt, the striker buried his effort to make it 2-0.
As expected with their fantastic defensive record, Newcastle chose to sit back and defend their lead in the second half as Man United tried to claw their way back into the game. A triple sub was made by Erik ten Hag in the 64th minute, and one of the players brought on pulled a goal back.
Two Newcastle defenders rushed over to the left in an attempt to block a cross into the box, but it was poor defending as they left Antony unmarked. The ball found the Brazilian at the back post, and he tapped into the net to make it 2-1.
Karius was called into action a few more times as the 'keeper making some big saves to keep his side ahead. Man United couldn't find a second, and Newcastle won the Carabao Cup final.
FIFA 23 predicted final score: Manchester United 1-2 Newcastle United
Here are the full-time match stats.
FIFA 23 predicts that a fantastic first-half display could see Newcastle lift the Carabao Cup, according to the simulation. Loris Karius was fantastic in goal while the return of Bruno Guimaraes was vital in midfield for the Magpies.
What do you think the Carabao Cup final score will be? Let us know in the comments!
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