With UCL exit looming, can Man U stun Newcastle?… All you need to know
Premier League returns this weekend with Newcastle playing hosts to Manchester United at St James Park on Saturday by 9pm.
This matchup between the two teams will require them to forget their challenging UEFA Champions league trips.
Newcastle lost two crucial points against Paris Saint-Germain due to a highly controversial late penalty. While, Manchester United‘s defensive flaws were exposed when they let up a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Galatasaray putting them in a very difficult situation.
Both teams will be ferocious as they look to increase their chances of making top four in the league so as to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions league. Currently, they trail the Premier League’s top four teams by five and four points, respectively, going into Matchday 14.
The Magpies’ thrilling 4-1 win over Chelsea in their most recent Premier League match showed how tenacious they can be. Their performance at home has been especially impressive, as they have won their last five league games at St. James’ Park.
Despite their recent home wins —five in their last six Premier League games—Manchester United have struggled defensively and have shown many times that they are unable to keep leads conceding 33 goals in all competitions since the start of the season. They will seek to rectify their defensive lapses against a resurgent Newcastle side which is going to be a tough test given that all of those victories came against sides in the bottom half.
Newcastle has already beaten Manchester United twice in 2023: first in the league, 2-0, in April, and then on November 1 in the EFL Cup, 3-0.
Nevertheless, the fact that the Red Devils have only lost once in their last seven Premier League encounters with the Magpies should give them cause for optimism.
Newcastle has the opportunity to defeat United in back-to-back league games for the first time since October 1972. They also hope to defeat United in three straight games across all competitions for the first time since January 1922.
NEWCASTLE VS MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS
Defender Lewis Hall is back available after being ineligible against his parent club Chelsea last weekend but Sean Longstaff is still sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Though less severe than initially thought, Joe Willock will also still be out for a few weeks. Newcastle will be without the services of other key players such as Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson as they will still be sidelined. Sandro Tonali remains suspended due to a betting-related ban.
Despite Mason Mount’s return to training, this game may come too soon for him and Manchester United. Other players who are still not in for United are Cristian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Lisandro Martinez. Jadon Sancho remains unavailable, However, Marcus Rashford’s return from suspension is a positive sign.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs MANCHESTER UNITED TIME AND VENUE
Kick-off date is Saturday 2nd December, 2023
Kick-off time is 9pm
Venue is St James’ Park
Referee will be Robert Jones
NEWCASTLE UNITED VS MANCHESTER UNITED PREDICTED LINE-UP
Newcastle United (4-3-3)
Pope, Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Livramento, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Miley, Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Onana, Wan Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, McTominay, Mainoo;
Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund
NEWCASTLE VS MANCHESTER UNITED PREDICTION
It is anticipated that the game will be hotly contested. Manchester United’s patchy defence could be threatened by Newcastle’s strong home record and capacity to compete with elite teams.
Both teams have issues to address and could play out a draw in this fixture. Newcastle’s resilience could see them securing a point against United’s attacking prowess.
We Predict: Newcastle United 2-2 Manchester United
See also: From Hero to Zero: What is wrong with Ten Hag’s Man United?
By Chimezie Amos
