Spotlight on Player Card Betting – Conor Bradley
This Sunday marks the 2023 Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where Newcastle and Manchester United vie to kick off the season with a prestigious trophy in hand.
While this matchup wasn't widely forecasted at the season's onset, it promises to be a captivating showdown, considering the rich history between both clubs.
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Putting aside Sunderland, Manchester United stands as one of Newcastle's most notable adversaries. Although their competition has been muted for years, they both now find themselves climbing the Premier League’s ranks closely.
Flashback to 1996, when former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan confronted Sir Alex Ferguson in a now-legendary outburst amid a fierce title bid. Newcastle, then known as 'The Entertainers,' brought much excitement to their fans even though the title eluded them, having finished second twice in a row. Since then, they've had a mixed bag of highs and lows until this new chapter, under fresh ownership and with a revitalized squad.
Currently, the odds stand at 6/4 for Newcastle to lift the trophy on Sunday.
Eddie Howe's brief tenure as Newcastle's manager has already earned him a special spot among the fans. Not only has he propelled the team to a commendable fifth place in the Premier League, close behind third-placed Manchester United, all while mastering player management.
Online bookies BetUK and Unibet Under Howe's leadership, players like Joelinton and Miguel Almirón have found an unprecedented groove, hinting at a unified squad whose seasonal momentum isn't slowing.
Although some may claim Howe's strategic choices at Newcastle are unproven in top-tier encounters, he excels at harnessing his players' potential and fortifying the team against formidable opponents.
Keep a watchful eye on Marcus Rashford this week as the 25-year-old chases his sixth Carabao Cup goal this season. Should Newcastle's defense manage to suppress him, their odds of victory substantially rise.
Rashford has scored or assisted in 13 out of his last 15 appearances for Manchester United post-World Cup. With other proficient goal-scorers in their squad, eliminating Rashford's threat is essential for Newcastle's defense.
Thanks to his recent stellar performances,
Rashford is positioned as the third contender with 7/1 odds to seize the PFA Player of the Year accolade.
Arguably, Newcastle's defense stands as their most formidable asset this season. They've only let in 15 goals across 23 league matches, surpassing the defensive stats of league leaders Arsenal, reigning champions Manchester City, and indeed, Sunday’s rivals. UK bookies The two goals conceded at St James’ Park against Liverpool last week might seem out of character, but given their consistent form this season, it's unlikely to derail them.
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Newcastle boasts an impressive 12 clean sheets this season, comprising over half of their games. Defenders like Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Kieron Trippier, and Fabian Schar have consistently outperformed league strikers, including Manchester United's towering Wout Weghorst, limiting their last Old Trafford encounter to just two shots on target.
Recently, goals have been scant for Newcastle, a concern looming over fans. With Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak struggling post-injury, it seems the opposition's defensive strategies are to blame for keeping Howe's side at bay.
However, it's unlikely United will deploy a heavily defensive setup in the final, which may open avenues for any forward Howe selects. Newcastle's midfield is also a goal-scoring reservoir, with Miguel Almiron already netting 10 this season. Bruno Guimarães' return after a suspension is timely and may provide added impetus.
Guimarães was suspended for three games following a red card during Newcastle’s EFL Cup face-off against Southampton. As one of the league's top midfielders this season, his absence was sorely felt, and he's likely as driven as anyone to shine in Sunday’s final against Casemiro.
With both teams delivering stellar performances this season, predicting the final’s outcome is especially tricky. While Manchester United arrive in solid form, Newcastle's consistency shouldn't be overshadowed, having thwarted the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City.
Although betting odds favor Manchester United, dismissing Newcastle would be unwise.
Tune in for WhichBookie’s Liam Johnson's
comprehensive tips for the Carabao Cup final, going live Sunday morning.
Can they win it?
Absolutely .
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Spotlight on Player Card Betting – Conor Bradley
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