Manchester United welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday.

United have recovered strongly since losing to Everton in the opening match of the season, winning their last five in the Premier League and Champions League. Meanwhile, Newcastle have taken eight points from five games to occupy 10th spot in the table.

It is 40 years since Newcastle last won at Old Trafford, but they were one of only two clubs that took points off United at home last season. They recorded a 3-0 victory when the two sides met on Tyneside in the New Year.

United are chasing their third League Cup crown in five years, while the Magpies have never won the competition, being eliminated by a Premier League club in seven of the last eight seasons.

Darren Fletcher is expected to make his first start for United in 10 months. Meanwhile, Nick Powell, Alexander Buttner and Angelo Henrique could also start. Newcastle are expected to hand starts to returning duo Fabricio Colloccini and Cheick Tiote, but Danny Simpson just misses out on a return to his former club.

Recent form:

Manchester United: LWWWWW
Newcastle United: LWDDDW

Possible lineups:

Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Wootton, Buttner; Nani, Powell, Fletcher, Giggs; Hernandez, Henriquez

Newcastle United: Elliot; Perch, Williamson, Coloccini, Ferguson; Obertan, Gosling, Tiote, Marveaux; Ameobi, Vuckic

Sports Mole says: 2-1

Previews by email