ManchesterUnited and Newcastle both enter this Saturday’s clash following frustrating midweek draws in the Champions League.
Newcastle were denied a famous win away at Paris Saint-Germain after conceding a last minute penalty to draw 1-1, while Manchester United threw away a two goal lead, twice, to draw 3-3 at Galatasaray.
This has left the Red Devils with just a six per cent chance of qualification for the knockout phase.
Newcastle have home advantage for this Premier League game, and will be confident, having beaten Manchester United in late October in the Carabao Cup. They also won comfortably at St. James Park last season.
Newcastle injury blow
Newcastle’s preparations for the game have been dealt a double disappointment with both Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock ruled out.
Manager Eddie Howe was quoted at his pre-match press conference, per Newcastle World: “Sean and Joe aren’t long-term injuries. We’re hopeful we can get them back. The problem is, two or three weeks at this stage seems a like a lifetime because of the amount of games.
Willock scored in Newcastle’s win at Old Trafford and Longstaff also started that game.
Newcastle are also without injured stars Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, and long-term suspension Sandro Tonali.
Manchester United do have injuries too, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Jonny Evans among those unavailable for this match.
A chance for Manchester United to move clear
Manchester United are sixth in the Premier League after a good run of form. But this has included wins against teams in the bottom half of the table.
This is a chance to make a statement, and for Erik ten Hag‘s team to win away at a top Premier League side for the first time since he took charge.
The Red Devils are one point ahead of seventh placed Newcstle and can extend that gap to four with a win.
A victory will move Manchester United into fifth place, temporarily at least, overtaking Tottenham, who play Manchester City on Sunday.
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