Man Utd v Newcastle – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Newcastle on Wednesday in the English Premier League. United have just one win in their last eight league fixtures. Newcastle have won their last three matches vs the Red Devils in all competitions.

Man Utd Form

United are crawling towards the finish line with one victory in eight league fixtures. They burgled a 2-2 home draw vs Liverpool before being outplayed in a 2-2 draw away at Bournemouth. A win on penalties after a 3-3 draw vs Coventry (having led 3-0) followed in the FA Cup semi-final.

A 4-2 home win vs Sheffield United preceded a 1-1 home draw vs relegation-threatened Burnley. A dire 4-0 away loss at Crystal Palace followed in what was the lowest point of the season. On Sunday, they were beaten 1-0 at home by Arsenal.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag may be able to move Casemiro back into midfield. Lisandro Martinez is back in training and Willy Kambwala is an option to partner Jonny Evans. Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Harry Magure, and Raphael Varane are all injured at present.

Scott McTominay is on standby to start again in midfield if Bruno Fernandes does not recover from injury. Mason Mount misses out and Marcus Rashford is very doubtful here so Amad Diallo or Antony could start.

Man Utd Motivation

United are lacking energy and motivation as the season end gets closer. They need to win to get into the European places.

The FA Cup final is on the horizon which offers a route into the Europa League. Ten Hag will play to win this match as a draw has little value.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle have five wins in the last eight matches. They scored three late goals to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 home win vs West Ham. After a 1-1 home draw vs Everton, they won 1-0 at Fulham and thrashed Tottenham 4-0 at home with a man-marking approach.

A 2-0 loss away at Crystal Palace saw Newcastle outshot 20-7. They beat Sheffield United 5-1 at home and won 4-1 at Burnley in a very strong response. On Saturday, the Magpies could only draw 1-1 at home with Brighton despite putting up 2.22 xG.

Newcastle Team News

The Magpies are riddled with defensive injuries as Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, and Jamaal Lascelles all miss out. Kieran Trippier is fit again but will feature from the bench. Emil Krafth and Dan Burn will form the centre-back pairing.

Lewis Miley, Joe Willock, and Sandro Tonali are unavailable central in midfield. Joelinton could get more minutes and Miguel Almiron’s return boosts options in the front three.

Newcastle Motivation

Newcastle will see Man Utd as there for the taking. A relatively attacking approach is expected.

Eddie Howe will target a win to seal a place in Europe next season. A draw would be seen as a poor result.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won 1 of their last 8 EPL matches

Manchester United have scored 2+ goals in 5 of their last 8 matches

Man Utd have seen Over 2.5 goals in 14 of their last 18 league matches

Newcastle have scored 20 goals in their last 8 matches (5 wins)

Newcastle have won 5 of their last 8 EPL matches

Newcastle have won their last 3 matches vs Man Utd

Verdict

United looks very weak at the back and Newcastle have pace and strong bench options. Isak could be too much for the Red Devils to handle here.

Best Bet: Newcastle win at 2.35
Alternate Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 1.80
Goalscorer Tip: Isak to score anytime at 1.90

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis