Prediction: Manchester United vs Newcastle

Verdict: Manchester United and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: Bet365

With both sides entering the international break with a loss to their records, Jose Mourinho will be desperate to close the gap on City at the top of the table. On Saturday evening Old Trafford will be playing host to a Newcastle side loitering around the middle of the table.

Manchester United

Before the international break, Jose Mourinho’s side fell eight points behind their noisy neighbours at the top of the table. After losing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier this month, United will be desperate to relieve some of the pressure and close the gap on the blue half of Manchester.

Although they might not be the same animal that started the season in such emphatic fashion. Prior to their defeat at Chelsea, United had won their last three in all competitions, without conceding a single goal. The Red Devils have also been in ruthless form during their Champions League campaign, played four, won four, qualification all but confirmed, it isn’t quite panic time at Old Trafford.

United’s only faults this season have come on their travels. An historic upset saw them come away empty-handed at Huddersfield, coupled with draws away against Liverpool and  Stoke, before their 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge. However, when playing in front of their Old Trafford support, United are yet to be beaten. Domestically in their eight games at home this year, United have won every contest, finding the back of the net 15 times on the way. Mourinho’s men are also yet to concede a single goal in return.

Team News

Although Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba have both overcome recent long-term injuries, neither are expected to play any part in Saturday evening’s game. Mourinho will also be unable to call upon Phil Jones, the central defender picked up an injury while on international duty with England. Marcos Rojo and Michael Carrick will also be sidelined for Newcastle’s visit.

Newcastle

Newcastle might be a side that have only won once in their last six, but, they are sat 11th in the table and remain five points above the drop zone. Prior to consecutive 1-0 defeats against Bournemouth and Burnley, Newcastle had only lost just one in their last seven appearances. The Geordie’s mid-table standing can be epitomised by their goal difference which stands at zero, Newcastle have scored 10 and conceded 10 this year.

For Rafa Benitez’s side, their major problems, much like their hosts this weekend, have come away from home. Despite picking up a 1-0 win against a struggling Swansea side in early September, Benitez’s side have failed to secure another win on the road. That problem is not helped by the fact the Magpies tend to go a tad goal shy away from St. James’. In three of their five away games this year, Newcastle have failed to register a single goal. Even more worryingly, those games came against Brighton, Huddersfield, and Burnley.

Team News

After picking up an ankle injury, Newcastle’s captain Jamaal Lascelles is incredibly doubtful for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford. However, Benitez could be able to call upon midfielder Mikel Merino, after missing the last two games with a back injury, arguably Newcastle’s player of the season has begun training and could play some part of the game.

 Key Factors to Consider

• Manchester United have won 22 and lost just one of their last 32 league games against Newcastle United at Old Trafford
• The last time the Magpies left Manchester with three points came back in 2013 courtesy of a Yohan Cabaye strike
• Jose Mourinho’s side are unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League games at Old Trafford
• Romelu Lukau has not scored in his last seven appearances for his club
• Rafa Benitez has lost five times against Jose Mourinho in the Premier League – only versus Alex Ferguson (8) has he suffered more defeats in the competition

 Conclusion

With Newcastle failing to find the net against some of the Premier League’s small sides, it is hard to see Rafa Benitez side break their Old Trafford curse and come away with the win on Saturday evening. Although we do suspect United will be too much for the traveling Magpies, goals could be a rare commodity here. United might be unbeaten at home this season, however, not since the end of September have Mourinho’s side scored more than two goals in a single game.

Verdict: Manchester United and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 15/8

Bookmaker: Bet365