‘I’d be shocked’ - Pundit makes Man Utd vs Newcastle score prediction ahead of Carabao Cup final

Pundit Paul Merson has delivered his prediction ahead of the Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United. The former Arsenal player believes Erik ten Hag’s side will have too much for the Toon Army on the day and thinks they will win the trophy.

The Red Devils go into the game in decent form and beat Barcelona in the Europa League last time out at Old Trafford. Their players have more experience of playing in big finals but with thousands of supporters desperate to win, you can’t rule out Eddie Howe’s men just yet.

Merson has made his stance clear ahead of the match and has said, as per Sportskeeda: “If there was one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss in this final, it would be Nick Pope. He has won them so many points this season.

“I’d be shocked if Newcastle won this one without Pope in goal. He is that big for Newcastle United. Unfortunately, he is suspended and that’s going to cost Newcastle dearly. When they’re keeping clean sheets, Pope is making big saves. Off the top of my head, in the draw against Arsenal, he made a world-class save to deny Eddie Nketiah.

“Manchester United are going to create chances and they are going to score goals. Put [Marcus] Rashford down for one goal already. He is playing so well that you’ll be shocked if he doesn’t score in this game. United are the team to beat in the final. Newcastle United are not a free-scoring side. They don’t blow teams away. If they don’t score two or three goals, they are not winning this one. I just don’t see them doing that against United on Sunday.”

He added: “For me, the Magpies are desperate to win a trophy more than getting into the top four and these players can attain legendary status if they win silverware. Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that will happen. I’m going 2-1 to Man United.”

As Merson alluded to, Newcastle’s number one goalkeeper Nick Pope is suspended which is a blow. Ex-Liverpool stopper Loris Karius is expected to step in for him as he looks to banish his demons of his mistakes in the Champions League final against Real Madrid back in 2018.

United will be confident and will assess key man Marcus Rashford ahead of the match. The 25-year-old attacker has fired 24 goals in all competitions this term.