The Carabao Cup Final is just days away from hitting the televisions and radios of people across the world, with countless others traveling to Wembley Stadium to watch the contest transpire.
Newcastle United will be taking on Manchester United with an opportunity to solidify the hype surrounding them as the season has continued on.
Coming off of a big loss against Liverpool, Newcastle has a lot to lose and a lot to gain in this coming final.
A win would build team confidence and prove that they are the real deal, while a loss would hinder confidence exponentially and would put the team in a negative light.
With so much being at stake, what player needs to step up and perform for Newcastle United on the big stage?
Allan Saint-Maximin will be a crucial piece in the contest on Sunday against Manchester United.
Throughout the 2022-2023 season, the attacking core for Newcastle United has shifted, changed, and grown numerous times, with Saint-Maximin struggling to find a pivitol role in the starting 11.
However, that will need to change in the Cup Final.
When on top of his game, he is arguably the most talented player that Newcastle United have in their squad. He is the kind of player who can make plays happen and oftentimes unravels something out of nothing. On the season he has contributed one goal and three assists, with little consistent play.
Against Liverpool, he showcased that his speed can put a great deal of pressure on opposing defenses which will be important out of the gates for Newcastle.
Currently, Manchester United has ruled out Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood for Sunday’s contest.
Van De Beek, Eriksen and Greenwood were known inactives, but it was rumoured that Martial could be back in time for the Cup Final.
These inactives will most certainly hit Manchester United hard, but Newcastle United has also seen countless players ruled out.
The team will be without Anthony Gordon, who has emerged into a big role off the bench since joining the team in January. Most of his time on the pitch comes when he substitutes in for Saint-Maximin, but now without him Saint-Maximin will be in an important role to produce for all 90 minutes.
With his quick pace of play, it will be important for him to rest when needed and explode when he has the opportunity to.
What should you expect for Allan-Saint Maximin?
I think it would be very disappointing if he did not contribute at least a goal or an assist, especially when he is looking to prove that he can remain within the starting 11.
Newcastle United takes on Manchester United this coming Sunday, Feb. 26, at 4:30 P.M.
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