26 February 2023 , 01:01
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It’s the EFL Cup final, brought to you by ‘Thailand’s second most popular energy drink’.
By tonight, Erik ten Hag might well be Manchester United ’s second most popular manager of the past 50 years.
He can already boast of a better win-rate than Fergie. Mind you, so can Michael Carrick.
Early days then.
The longer-term view tells us that a Big Six side has won 17 of the past 20 finals. A Manchester side has won 10 of them.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
But the pick of history’s punter-pointers for today (4.30pm) is that three of those 20 have been ‘no goalscorer’ (90mins, own-goals don’t count for this bet) and five of 20 have gone all the way to a shoot-out.
Worth noting too that eight of Newcastle ’s 30 games this season have been ‘no goalscorer’ – an 11/4 rate of return. Eddie Howe’s brand in a can.
The 10/1 (Bet365, 90mins) ‘no scorer’ is a fun-stakes shout for a repeat of the sides’ Prem meeting – though the loss of Nick Pope takes some fizz out of the optimism.
All-energy Fred appears to be on a sugar-rush right now, and you’d fancy him to uncork a few potshots at the Toon’s fourth-choice keeper.
The standout 15/1 (Unibet, 90mins) ‘Fred anytime scorer’ is worth a dabble if he starts.
Loris Karius will be in the gloves for Newcastle – last seen in these parts making a memorable balls-up of the 2018 Champions League final. Memorable for everyone bar poor Loris, as he’d taken a clump to the head.
The calamity cat hasn’t played anywhere for years, but he used to be flappy on crosses. Marcus Rashford ‘to score a header’ at 18/1 fits his data, so does ‘anytime scorer’ at 8/5 (both Paddy and 90mins).
Chelsea go to Tottenham (1.30pm) having spent SIX Haalands-worth of cash on new players last month and somehow barely added a goal.
It’s never easy to buy a striker who will turn out to be a monster for you at Prem level, but buying a striker is still the best place to start.
If your prospective purchase already scores like a Harry Kane, get the wallet out pronto. Back Kane ‘anytime’ today at 7/5 and ‘Spurs clean sheet’ at 9/4 (Bet365).
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
Over in Spain, visitors Osasuna are the coin-flip value at Evens (Sky Bet) for a third WIN-or-DRAW of the season against Sevilla (8pm, La Liga).
Last week: Winner at 5/4