Newcastle v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle host Man Utd . Both sides had difficult midweek results in the Champions League. The Magpies have won their last two matches against the Red Devils including 3-0 earlier this season at Old Trafford.

Newcastle Form

It’s just one win in four for Newcastle. They went into the two-week international break on the back of 2-0 losses away at Dortmund in the Champions League and away at Bournemouth. After beating Chelsea 4-1 at home on Saturday, they conceded an unjust late penalty in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at PSG.

Before this dip, the Toon had lost just one of 12 fixtures in all competitions. A 2-2 draw at Wolves saw a 1-0 and 2-1 lead thrown away. A dominant 3-0 win at Man Utd in the Carabao Cup preceded a 1-0 home victory over Arsenal. The winner was a controversial goal in an otherwise even match.

Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe has a dozen injuries once again. Dan Burn, Matt Targett, and Sven Botman are ruled out in defence meaning Tino Livramento will play left back again. The midfield is also short of options with Sandro Tonali suspended and Elliot Anderson injured.

Sean Longstaff is nearing a return in the engine room, but Joe Willock is ruled out. In attack, Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, and Harvey Barnes are unavailable. It will once again be Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Miguel Almiron as the front three.

Newcastle Motivation

The midweek draw in Paris may have taken some energy out of Newcastle. They also have very few options to freshen up their team.

The Magpies will play to win, and the crowd should be fully behind the team. A draw is not a disaster, but they won’t settle for one.

Man Utd Form

In the league, Man Utd have won six of their last eight fixtures. The first five wins were all by one-goal margins with some iffy performances. Last Sunday, they won 3-0 away at Everton despite allowing 24 shots and 2.47 Expected Goals. In midweek, a 3-1 lead away to Galatasaray turned into a damaging 3-3 draw by full-time.

Overall, it’s eight wins in the last 17 matches in all competitions. They were beaten 3-0 at home by Man City and then 3-0 by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. before a 4-3 loss at FC Copenhagen. A narrow 1-0 victory over Luton Town followed at home.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag has Marcus Rashford available in attack after his midweek suspension. Lisandro Martinez is injured in defence and Casemiro will play no part in midfield. Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount are other unavailable players.

Rasmus Hojlund returned from injury in Turkey and is set to lead the line in this one in preference to Anthony Martial. Teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could get a start in midfield in preference to Sofyan Amrabat.

Man Utd Motivation

United are four points off the top four before the weekend action. Erik Ten Hag’s side have focused on results in the league of late and not performances.

A draw at St. James’ Park would be a good result. They’re expected to set up solidly and play mostly on the counter-attack.

Key Stats

Newcastle have won their last 5 EPL home matches (4 clean sheets)

Newcastle have won their last 2 matches vs Man Utd (2-0 and 3-0)

Man Utd have won 6 of their last 8 EPL matches

Man Utd have drawn just 1 of their last 17 matches

Verdict

This match is difficult to call with Newcastle’s injury problems. They may have enough to win but United are capable of grinding out a point too.