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'I’d be shocked if Newcastle won without Nick Pope in goal': Paul Merson believes the Carabao Cup final is tilted in Man United's favour, with the goalkeeper's absence tipped to be 'costly' for Eddie Howe's Magpies

Nick Pope's absence will be 'costly' for Newcastle United's hopes for Carabao Cup glory, according to Paul Merson.

Eddie Howe's Magpies take on Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday in the showpiece final, which both sides will be eager to win amid fresh starts.

However, Newcastle will have to navigate the contest without Pope in goal, after he was sent off during their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend for handling the ball outside the box.

The Arsenal legend told Sportskeeda that he felt they will miss Pope's expertise in goal, with Newcastle instead relying on fourth-choice shotstopper Loris Karius.