Newcastle United (5th Place) host Manchester United (3rd Place) this weekend at St James’ Park as the Premier League resumes following the international break.
Not much separates the two teams going into Sundays fixture as Newcastle will be hoping to cut the three point gap between the sides and get revenge for their loss in the EFL Cup Final a couple of months ago.
Qualifying for next years Champions League is still a strong possibility for the Magpies as we approach the final stretch of this years Premier League. Wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest reignited their hope for European football next season following a five game winless run in February/March.
Emmanuel Dennis got things off to a perfect start for Forest at the City Ground with an impressive chip over Nick Pope in the first half before Alexander Isak continued his impressive run of form with two goals to complete the comeback and keep Newcastle within touching distance of fourth place Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites may be two points ahead of Newcastle but they have played two games more which gives the Magpies the upper hand.
From keeping clean sheets for fun at the start of the campaign to conceding at least one in each of their last eight games, the Magpies aren’t the same defensive unit they once were earlier in the season. One positive thing though for the Geordie faithful is that only Liverpool have beaten them at home this season and that was with an extra man on the pitch so they will be more than ready to get revenge on the Red Devils at the weekend.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester side seen off Real Betis in the Europa League and Fulham in the FA Cup before the international break. After a relatively straight forward victory over Betis in the Europa League, their clash against Fulham was far more entertaining for the neutral. Former Magpie, Aleksander Mitrovic gave Fulham the lead early in the second half before things turned sour for Marco Silva’s side. Willian was given a straight red card for handling the ball as he attempted a goal line clearance, this didn’t sit well with the Mitrovic who shoved Chris Kavanagh and was subsequently given his marching orders. Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting penalty before grabbing his second of the tie. Marcel Sabitzer also got himself on the scoresheet.
It’s looking less and less likely that Man United’s dreams of completing the quadruple will come true, at the time of writing this article they are only one point ahead of fourth place Tottenham, having only played two Premier League games in March, those being a 7-0 battering against Liverpool and a draw against Southampton.
The Red Devils have the fourth worst defensive record on the road this season with 27 goals conceded. Only Bournemouth (38), Nottingham Forest (32) & Leicester City (30) have worse records.
Newcastle have failed to win in their last six top flight fixtures against Manchester United but they did come away from Old Trafford with a share of the points back in October.
Newcastle United Team News: Miguel Almiron will miss Sundays visit if Manchester United with a thigh injury. Joelinton is back in contention following his two match ban. Sven Botman should be fit for selection after a bout of food poisoning. There will be late fitness calls for Anthony Gordon who is in a race against time to recover from an ankle injury. Nick Pope should be okay to start between the sticks.
Manchester United Team News: Casemiro will miss through suspension. Donny van de Beek & Christian Eriksen remain on the injury table. Anthony Martial should make his return to the starting eleven following a spell on the sidelines with a hip problem. Marcus Rashford will take his place on the left flank.
Sutty’s Match Prediction: Newcastle will be right up for the challenge playing in-front of a full St James’ Park. Man Utd will miss Casemiro in the middle of the park with his dirty challenges so Eddie Howe will no doubt instruct his players to capitalise on that. Whilst my sensible part of my brain (yes I do have one!) says it will be a draw, the Geordie in me is going for a home win. Score Prediction Newcastle United 1 Manchester United 0. Howay the lads and enjoy the game!
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