The first major trophy of the 2022-23 English football season is up for grabs today as Manchester United and Newcastle United put their top-four hopes on hold and look to get their hands on some elusive silverware.
The Red Devils have won the competition five times in the past, but not since the 2016-17 season, which was also the last campaign they picked up a trophy of any kind.
Newcastle's trophy drought famously stretches back far longer than that, though, with the Magpies looking to adorn their relatively new ownership with a first piece of silverware since 1969, and their first domestic cup since 1955.
A revitalised Man United go into the game as favourites courtesy of their fine form under Erik ten Hag, but Newcastle have already shown this season that they are ready to challenge the established big boys of English football.
Here, the Sports Mole team discuss who they believe will lift the trophy at Wembley.
Barney Corkhill, Editor - Newcastle
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This is such an intriguing match between two sides absolutely desperate for silverware. Man United's wait for a trophy can be classed as a drought by their standards - even in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era - but for Newcastle these occasions do not come around often and you can be sure that the fans will make the most of it.
Whether their players can do the same on the pitch remains to be seen, and there is no doubt that losing Nick Pope to suspension is a huge blow. With Martin Dubravka also out due to being cup-tied, it opens the door for Loris Karius to write a remarkable redemption story.
Man United are the form team and have possibly the form player in world football right now in Marcus Rashford, who has been included in the squad after an injury scare.
They are justifiably the favourites, but Newcastle have proven themselves incredibly difficult to beat this season and, in a one-off final, that could prove to be decisive. Of course, Man United can boast being the team with more wins this season than any other club in Europe's top five leagues, so there is a feeling of the unstoppable force meets the immovable object in this one.
Personally, I am backing Newcastle to ride the wave of emotion that will no doubt pour down from the Wembley stands and edge a victory, but admittedly that may be more down to hope than expectation.
Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter - Man United
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Newcastle are not the same defensive force that they were only a few weeks ago, and Man United will need no second invitation to test the gloves of the out-of-practice Karius, but the importance of Guimaraes's return to the base of midfield cannot be overstated.
A possible injury to Rashford and fatigue from Thursday night will also work against the Red Devils, who are not impenetrable at the back either and may be forced to endure a gruelling 120 minutes of action, but Newcastle's recent lack of attacking incisiveness could prove decisive as Man United take another step towards a dazzling quadruple.
Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter - Man United
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Eddie Howe has worked wonders at Newcastle this season but his side have hit a sticky patch in recent weeks, while Manchester United continue to go from strength to strength under Erik ten Hag and head into Sunday's Wembley showdown as favourites to lift their first trophy since 2017.
Nick Pope's absence is a major blow for the Magpies, but they have been boosted by the return of midfield maestro Bruno Guimaraes, while the Red Devils fans are sure to have everything crossed in the hope that goal machine Marcus Rashford shakes off an ankle problem.
A tight affair could be on the cards in the capital, but I reckon Man United will do just enough to come out on top after extra time.
Joel Lefevre, Reporter - Man United
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One-game, winners-take-all scenarios can be unpredictable, and there are arguments to be made that the Magpies will triumph, notably their solid backline, who have posted four clean sheets in this competition. However, I am choosing the Red Devils.
Even if Marcus Rashford is a question mark and the fatigue his side might be experiencing from an emotional Europa League victory over Barcelona, Erik ten Hag appears to have brought back the belief from a side that looked mentally and physically broken before he arrived.
The Dutch coach has got the best out of numerous players who have been sub-par in years past, while Eddie Howe and the Magpies have not been as sharp in the attacking third, plus they'll have to rely on a new goalkeeper in Loris Karius, who does not have a great resume regarding big games.
Ultimately, I believe these Red Devils will finally have a trophy to bring back to Old Trafford.
Seye Omidiora, Reporter - Newcastle
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Newcastle United. Admittedly, the easy answer would be Manchester United - Erik ten Hag's troops are flying and seem to have the momentum of formidable performances and results, while Marcus Rashford's goalscoring form ought to make any defence nervous.
On the other hand, Newcastle have had their pre-World Cup ascent dulled, with wins giving way to a series of disappointing draws. Miguel Almiron is no longer scoring with the same regularity, and Eddie Howe's mostly impassable rearguard will be without their safety net between the sticks Nick Pope.
That said, there is an itch to root for a club seeking its first domestic triumph since 1955. That adrenaline should lift a side that have not won in the league in a month, and the emotion of those in black and white in the stands at Wembley will be palpable. Come on you Magpies! It's your time.
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Barney Corkhill
