Paul Merson, predict who will win the Carabao Cup between Newcastle and Manchester United.

Newcastle United takes on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, and pundit Paul Merson has explained why he now predicts that the Red Devils will come out on top.

It is the first cup final since 1999 for Newcastle, who will be looking to win the Carabao Cup and end their trophy drought that has gone on since 1969.

However, they will have to do it without Nick Pope. That is because the 30-year-old is suspended after receiving a red card in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

It is a massive blow for Eddie Howe, who will now turn to third-choice stopper Loris Karius due to Martin Dubravka being cup-tied.

Losing Pope is devastating for the Magpies, and former Arsenal forward Merson thinks it will be the difference between winning and losing.

Paul Merson thinks Man United will beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final

As part of his latest column for Sky Sports, Merson has made a prediction about Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

“I feel for Newcastle,” he wrote.

“Such a shame with the Nick Pope situation. I think the rules have got to change. You’re talking about someone who has been sent off to a totally different competition. It’s not the Premier League. I know he’s done it, but he’s been punished.

“He’s now going to miss a final that he might never get the chance to play in again. It’s such a shame.

“I don’t see anything but a Man United win now. You’re talking about playing your third-choice goalkeeper against Man United who is bang in form.

“If there was one player that Eddie Howe would want in his team for that final it’s Pope. Pope saves you. I am worried for Newcastle.”

Newcastle must put faith in Loris Karius

Merson is the second former player who thinks it is unfair that Pope is suspended in the Carabao Cup after being sent off in the Premier League. Gary Lineker said the same on Saturday night during Match Of The Day.

While only being suspended in the competition you were sent off in would allow Pope to play, it would also impact another Newcastle player. If they were the rules, Bruno Guimaraes would be suspended after seeing red in the semi-final win over Southampton.

Luckily, the Brazilian midfielder will be available to face Manchester United. And he is arguably more important than Pope.

Merson may think that Pope is the one player who Howe wouldn’t want to be without, but the loss of Bruno or even Kieran Trippier would be just as big a blow.

Given the goalkeeper suspension and Man United’s form, it is understandable that they go into the game as favorites. However, it is far from the forgone conclusion that Merson thinks it is.

Newcastle will put their faith in Karius and believe he can help the club win the 2023 Carabao Cup.

 

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