Premier League Preview: Manchester United vs Newcastle
Looking to bounce back from their recent setbacks, Manchester United welcome Newcastle in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Currently languishing in 14th place, Manchester United enter the match on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day. In contrast, Newcastle, sitting fifth, come into this clash brimming with confidence following a commanding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at St. James’ Park.
The Red Devils claimed a 3-2 home victory over Newcastle when the sides last met in May. Goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund ended the Magpies’ three-game winning streak over Manchester United across all competitions.
While Old Trafford has traditionally been a tough venue for Newcastle, recent encounters have brought them hope. The Magpies have won two of their last three Premier League meetings with Manchester United, matching the total victories they achieved in their previous 16 meetings (four draws and 10 defeats).
Manchester United Betting Preview (+160 at EveryGame)
The Red Devils, desperate to end a turbulent year on a high, face a Newcastle side looking to solidify their push for a top-four spot. Ruben Amorim’s start at Manchester United has been nothing short of challenging. With five defeats in his first ten matches, the Portuguese tactician has endured the most difficult debut of any United manager since Walter Crickmer in 1932.
To compound matters, the Red Devils are on the brink of losing five league matches in a single calendar month for the first time in over 62 years – a statistic that brilliantly underscores their current struggles.
Under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged after the Boxing Day loss to Wolves that his job security is precarious. While his immediate dismissal seems extremely, extremely unlikely, Manchester United’s dismal form has fueled whispers of relegation concerns if the rot continues.
The 20-time English champions have suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions – against Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth, and Wolves – failing to capitalize on their 2-1 Manchester derby triumph earlier in December.
All in all, United’s poor league form has left them with 22 points from 18 matches, just eight points clear of the relegation zone and a distant 13 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Their home form has also been lackluster, with only 13 points gained from nine league games at Old Trafford. However, Newcastle’s mixed away record – three wins, three draws, and three losses in nine matches – provides a glimmer of hope for the Red Devils.
Suspensions for Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte leave Manchester United without two key midfielders. Elsewhere, Luke Shaw , Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount all remain sidelined due to injuries, while Marcus Rashford’s absence hints at an impending January departure.
With Amorim looking for more pace, Alejandro Garnacho could earn his first start in weeks, while Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line despite his poor record (just two goals in 11 top-flight matches).
Newcastle Betting Preview (+165 at EveryGame)
Eddie Howe’s Magpies, in contrast, are in scintillating form. Newcastle have amassed 29 points from 18 matches, just five points shy of the coveted fourth spot (before Nottingham’s win at Everton on Sunday). With eight wins, five draws, and five defeats, they’ve also bagged 30 goals – nine more than their opponents.
Newcastle’s recent form is impeccable, with four straight wins across all competitions, including three Premier League victories over Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Aston Villa. Their impressive defensive solidity – zero goals conceded in those three league games – highlights the formidable challenge awaiting Manchester United.
Securing a fourth successive league win without conceding would mark their first such streak in the top flight since April 2012. Their emphatic 3-0 win over ten-man Aston Villa on Boxing Day was a statement of intent, propelling them into the top five and firmly back in contention for a Champions League spot.
Although the Magpies haven’t played European football this season, they’re in the semi-finals of the League Cup, with an exciting clash against Arsenal looming. Historical trends favor Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Newcastle have managed only one Premier League win in their last 39 visits—a 1-0 triumph in December 2013.
Eddie Howe will likely reinstate Tino Livramento to the starting lineup after an illness, while Swedish forward Alexander Isak continues to spearhead the attack.
Meanwhile, injuries rule out first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, as well as the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, and Callum Wilson. Netherlands defender Sven Botman is also unavailable but is nearing recovery after a long-term injury layoff.
Possible Starting Lineups of Manchester United and Newcastle United
Manchester United: Andre Onana – Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez – Noussair Mazraoui, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot – Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho – Rasmus Hojlund. (3-4-2-1)
Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka – Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall – Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton – Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon. (4-3-3)
Spooky Express Betting Prediction
Despite the stark contrast in form, Newcastle’s visit to Old Trafford might offer a glimmer of hope for Manchester United. The Red Devils have a dominant home record against the Magpies, losing just one of their last 39 league encounters at the Theatre of Dreams (winning 28).
However, Newcastle’s recent performances suggest this will be no easy task for the 20-time champions. Eddie Howe’s side head to Manchester as slight favorites, thanks to a blistering run of three consecutive league victories with an aggregate scoreline of 11-0.
According to EveryGame, Manchester United are slight favorites at +160, with Newcastle priced at +165 and a draw at +240. Despite their crisis, the Red Devils could leverage their strong home record against Newcastle, with Old Trafford’s aura potentially reviving their fortunes. Newcastle’s recent form, however, suggests they have the quality to snatch at least a point in what promises to be an enthralling clash.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak, who boasts 11 goals and four assists in 16 top-flight appearances this season, has proven to be a clinical finisher and is more than capable of finding himself on the scoresheet at Old Trafford, especially given his sharp movement and eye for goal.
Spooky Express Free Play: Outcome And Totals – X2 (Newcastle United or Draw) and Over 2.5 Goals +175 at EveryGame for 4/10 Units
Spooky Express Free Play 2: Alexander Isak Anytime Goal scorer +155 at EveryGame for 4/10 Units
