🏆 Newcastle vs Man Utd: Pre-match thoughts, possible line-ups & prediction

How's the nerves? I've woken up in London with butterflies in my stomach and hope in my heart. 24 years on from our last final and 68 years since our last domestic trophy, the enormity of today is finally starting to sink in.

Soon, I'll be jumping on the tube with my dad and brother and heading towards Wembley Way, hoping and praying Eddie Howe's Mags can become heroes for a region desperate for glory after so many years of hurt.

This past year has been a dream and the start of what feels like a special new era on Tyneside. 12 months ago we hoped to have enough to survive. Today, we aren't just dreaming of a top four finish but believing 'Newcastle United' will be etched onto a domestic cup for the first time since 1955.

Standing in our way are Manchester United; arguably the most in-form side in the country at present, but also a team who've shown plenty signs of weakness that we can expose if we're back to our brilliant best today. We may be without Pope, but Bruno is back and we're facing a side who could be fatigued from that clash with Barcelona little over 48 hours ago.

Speaking ahead of the game, here's what Howe's had to say:

“To win would mean the world to me to do that, but it would not necessarily be for me.

“It would be more, genuinely, for the supporters, for everyone connected with the club to embrace that moment if we were able to do it.

“They've had a long wait for that moment and I know just from my very limited dealings with people around the city, the love they have for the football club. I'd love to return that love with a trophy.”

Team news

Bruno Guimaraes is back from a three-game ban, meaning the Brazilian will slot into our midfield for the first time since that semi-final win over Southampton.

Joe Willock (hamstring) is facing a race to be fit for this one, although he was pictured in training a few days ago alongside Joelinton - who is thought to be 'OK' - and the returning Matt Targett.

For Man Utd, it remains to be seen if Marcus Rashford will shake off a knock picked up in Thursday's win over Barcelona. Christian Eriksen has already been ruled out, as has Anthony Martial.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Karius– Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton - Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.

I feel pretty confident this will be the side that Howe leads out at Wembley.

In goal, Karius feels nailed on to start, with Pope suspended, Dubravka ineligible, Darlow out on loan and Gillespie having nothing like the experience our recently signed German has racked up over the years.

I see no reason why the back four would change, but we will see Bruno return to midfield. Willock could pass a late fitness test and put himself in contention. However, I can see Howe using him as an impact sub, starting Joelinton and Longstaff either side of Bruno and sticking by Saint-Maximin after his man of the match display against Liverpool.

Up top, I'm backing Wilson to lead the line. He's often been a big game player for us and is arguably our most ice-cool finisher under pressure. You'd also expect him to thrive off the atmosphere and give the aggressive Lisandro Martinez one hell of a battle. Like Willock, Isak could then be an electric option off the bench against tiring legs.

On the right, Almiron will be hoping to get back amongst the goals after scoring at Bournemouth and follow that new contract announcement with an all-action display down the right. With Luke Shaw likely to get forward and Marcus Rashford vs Kieran Trippier tipped to be a key battle, Miggy has a huge role to play at both ends.

Prediction

This is our time. We aren't the favourites and we'll be missing our No 1, but this team is full of heart, fight and has what it takes to snuff out a Man Utd attack who we've tamed once already this season.

We'll be backed by 33,000 passionate Geordies and led by a manager I have complete faith in.

A tight affair to end with a Callum Wilson winner that sees Newcastle United lift their first domestic trophy in since 1955.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Man Utd