Predicted Manchester United line-up v Newcastle for Carabao Cup fourth round clash

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Manchester United take on Newcastle United in a rematch of last season’s Carabao Cup final.

The highlight of the 2022/23 season was Manchester United beating Newcastle 2-0 at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup. Tonight there is a major challenge ahead in the Red Devils’ bid to retain the trophy.

Beaten finalists Newcastle are set to visit Old Trafford in a 8.15pm kick-off, with both sides having a point to prove. Manchester United lost the derby at home to City at the weekend, while Newcastle are coming off a home defeat to Borussia Dortmund and an away draw at Wolves.

Both sides are dealing with injuries, with Newcastle missing key striker Alexander Isak, while they also have a big league game against Arsenal at the weekend, which could see some rotation for this game. Manchester United are expected to make changes with several players out of form.

Predicted Manchester United XI v Newcastle

Manchester United should be making changes after the disappointing result at home to City. It is time for some fresh faces. The last round against Crystal Palace utilised a younger, energetic side, and some of those players deserve opportunities.

We do expect Andre Onana to start in goal, but there is a possibility at least that Altay Bayindir is considered as an option.

In defence there could be a couple of changes, with Sergio Reguilon and Raphael Varane coming into the team. Both were left out at the weekend, and while Erik ten Hag insisted it was tactical, we believe it was with an eye to starting this game.

Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot will also likely start, meaning it would be Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans who drop out.

The big question in midfield is over Casemiro. With no firm information he is fully fit, we expect Sofyan Amrabat to start again. And he should be relatively fresh, playing only 45 minutes against City.

His partner could be the man who replaced him against City, Mason Mason, who provided an assist in the last round against Palace. He could be joined by two other key players from that victory.

Hannibal could complete the midfield trio, with Alejandro Garnacho starting on the left wing. This would see Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes drop to the bench.

Antony would get the nod on the right ahead of Facundo Pellistri, with Rasmus Hojlund starting up front looking for his first domestic goal. The Dane was substituted early in the loss to City, with Erik ten Hag insisting he is trying to manage his minutes with the amount of fixtures United need him for.

That is six changes in total, with only Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Sofyan Amrabat and Rasmus Hojlund keeping their places. The line-up would involve a younger team, but every single one of these players deserve chances to show what they are capable of – some more so than others.