Prediction: Manchester United vs Newcastle

August 15th 2010

For the second time in last three seasons, Manchester kick off their season at home against Newcastle United but Alex Ferguson’s side will be hoping for better luck this time after sharing spoils with the Magpies at Old Trafford two years back. Newcastle are looking to make their mark on the Premiership after the swift return to top-flight football and what better way to show their presence than putting in a decent performance against the Red Devils.

After losing the title race to Chelsea last term, United are eager to win back the Premiership title and for that they need a bright start to the league campaign. The team had the best possible start to the new season, having beaten Chelsea to the Community Shield trophy but with the Blues coasting past West Brom in their opening match, United simply need to win this game. Sir Alex Ferguson still has some selection problems as the players who took part in the World Cup haven’t had enough time to reach the desired level of fitness, but the team have, nonetheless, been showing signs of promise with Javier ‘Chicarito’ Hernandez especially impressive. The hosts may still be searching for form, but they should have enough in them to see off Newcastle. Alex Ferguson has no fresh injury concerns, although Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson remain sidelined.

Having kept almost the entire squad together after slipping to the Championship, Newcastle were always going to be favorites for instant return to top flight football. The team led by Chris Hughton completely justified their favorites tag and the Magpies are now back to where they belong. Soccer betting experts give them the highest survival chances out of all promoted teams but things are not going to be easy for them this season that’s for sure. Boss Hughton managed to increase competition for places by bringing Sol Campbell, Dan Gosling and James Perch but these are hardly the players who can inspire the team to big things. There is no doubt the visiting players will be fired up for this match but apart from motivation they have little to offer against one of the best sides in the country. Alan Smith and Danny Simpson could both miss out on a chance to play against their former club because of injuries, whereas Best, Gosling and Taylor are also out.

Conclusion

United are clearly far from the desired form but after beating Chelsea in the Community Shield, they should be able to do the same against injury-plagued Newcastle. The Magpies pulled off a surprise at Old Trafford two years back but I doubt they can do it all over again. The odds on home win are nothing special but I really cannot see any other outcome here.

Verdict: Home win United (1)

Best Odds: 1/4

Bookmaker: Paddy Power