February 26, 2023 is one of the biggest days in Newcastle United’s recent history. They have the chance to break their long standing trophy duck – all they have to do is beat Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United.

The two teams will meet in the final of the League Cup on Sunday afternoon. Newcastle will be without two first team players for the game, with a further pair being labelled as doubts.

Emil Krafth and Nick Pope will both definitely miss out on the final. Hrafth is still recovering from his long-term injury, while Pope is suspended after being sent off against Liverpool for handling the ball outside of his area.

Joe Willock, suffering from a thigh injury, could be fit to play – at this stage, it is roughly 50/50. Joelinton is slightly more likely to play, but again, it is not a certainty.

Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle’s star midfielder, will be available for selection after seeing out his red card suspension.

In the semi-finals, Newcastle needed to get past Southampton over two legs. The Toon won both games, despite Bruno Guimaraes receiving his marching orders late into the second leg.

Meanwhile, Manchester United swept aside Nottingham Forest by an aggregate score of 5-0. They won the first leg at the City Ground by a score of 3-0, then finished the job at Old Trafford with a 2-0 victory.

Man Utd have Casemiro back available after suspension which is a huge plus and likely makes them favourites while Antony, Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial are doubts for the Barca game tomorrow night but might be available for the Cup final.

Newcastle United have never won the League Cup. The closest they came was back in 1975, when they reached the final, only to be beaten by Manchester City.