da betobet： The tie of the round in the Capital One Cup has got to be at Old Trafford where Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Newcastle United clash in hope of a cup run and some much needed silverware.
da betsul： United lost out on all of their major trophies last season and so a run in the Capital One Cup may be exactly what they need, whereas Newcastle have won very little over the past few decades and so it is surely about time they lifted some silverware. Expect an extremely competitive fixture.
Here are the three key battles that could win or lose the game for their side.
Michael Carrick v Yohan Cabaye
Two of the best passers of the ball in the Premier League, Carrick and Cabaye go about their work quietly and efficiently for their sides and the game could well be decided on which of these two keep possession for their sides the best.
Carrick got on the scoresheet in the Champions League last week and has started the season well alongside Paul Scholes in the United midfield. However the likes of Tom Cleverly and Darren Fletcher seem to be returning from injury at a crucial time for the Red Devils to put pressure on Carrick to impress.
Cabaye hasn’t had his midfield partner Cheick Tiote to back him up this season but he is coping well, pulling the strings to release the pacey Newcastle attack that is as good as any in the league. With a lack of quality central midfielders, Cabaye is a key player and will hope to keep Carrick quiet.
Rafael v Hatem Ben Arfa
Manchester United’s right back has improved greatly over the past 12 months or so but that is mainly in attack. Due to dominating games possession-wise United’s full backs are able to constantly push forward but that may not be the case on Wednesday night as Newcastle’s three pronged attack will need to be constantly looked after.
Ben Arfa has dazzled us over the past year or so with his trickery and pace and going forward, few right backs can deal with him. In partnership with Papiss Cisse and/or Demba Ba, Ben Arfa is able to drift inside and lose his marker so Rafael will have to be alert to track him and let him know he is there. On the other hand Ben Arfa will have to go with Rafael when he steams forward, something Ben Arfa may be lacking in his game, so this battle could definitely shape the outcome of the tie.
Robin van Persie v Steven Taylor
Last season’s Premier League top goalscorer Van Persie has already bagged goals for United this season and doesn’t look to have lost any of that penalty area instinct that earned him such high praise and a move to United. The loss of Wayne Rooney may well have put pressure on the Dutchman to score more goals and with Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez eager to get a look in, you can see why.
Steven Taylor missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury but is relishing being back in his beloved Newcastle’s side. Injuries have left the Toon squad a bit bare at times this season but having one of their own playing week in week out can only help the side in the long term. Taylor will be confident of coping with Van Persie, but if United decide to start with two up front, it may be an uphill challenge for the inexperienced Newcastle defence.
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