Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Unibet
Looking to only pile more pressure onto the Magpies on Monday night, Manchester United will make the trip to St. James’ Park when they face off against Newcastle.
Newcastle United
Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have made the decision to bring in Eddie Howe last month, the Magpies have struggled to find any real form. Although they might have landed a much-needed 1-0 victory against Burnley on December 4th, the former Bournemouth boss still finds his side battling it out in the relegation zone. With just a single Premier League win to their name since opening the 2021/22 campaign, it is no surprise why many have tipped Howe’s new squad as a leading pick in the bottom-three scrap. Last seen getting blown away by defending champions Manchester City as they were hit with a routine 4-0 drumming at St. James’ Park, Newcastle have lost each of their last three top-flight contests on the spin. With their continued issues highlighted by another 4-0 loss at the hands of Leicester earlier in the month, fans around the north east will know that they struggling squad could face another huge task here.
Team News
Picking up a yellow card against Manchester City last weekend, midfielder Issac Hayden will miss out on Monday night as he serves a one-match suspension.
Likewise, Northern Ireland international full-back Jamal Lewis will not feature due to a thigh injury picked up earlier in the month.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, after dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak in their camp earlier in the month, there is no doubt that Manchester United should be roaring to make their return on Monday night. Bringing in interim boss Ralf Ragnick until the end of the season, the Reds were last seen on December 11th as they picked up a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Norwich. While the one-time RB Leipzig boss might be hoping for his side to find more of a clinical edge, there are some signs of improvement under Ragnick. Booking their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League, United will now be desperate to clinch another top-four finish this season. Holding a pair of games in hand over fourth-place Arsenal, Monday’s guests will also be boosted by their continued success against the Magpies. Including a 4-1 win when the two sides faced off at Old Trafford back in September, United have won each of their last four meetings against Newcastle.
Team News
Manchester United have reported a clean bill of health in terms of Covid-19 testing.
French international Paul Pogba is the club’s only injury absentee, with Raphael Varane and Edinson Cavani among those expected to return.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides faced off at Old Trafford back in September, Manchester United picked up a 4-1 victory.
- Likewise, along the Reds have won each of their last four meetings against Monday’s hosts.
- Newcastle have lost each of their last three Premier League contests by an aggregate score of 11-1.
- The Magpies have also picked up just a single Premier League victory since opening the 2021/22 campaign.
- Each of the last four meetings between Newcastle and United have finished with over 3.5 goals.
Conclusion
Making their return to action after a fortnight break, Manchester United should be smelling a golden chance at St. James’ Park on Monday night. Landing back-to-back Premier League wins since Ragnick took charge, the Reds have their sights set on making up some ground in the top-four chase. With Newcastle now losing each of their last three top-flight contests on the spin, the Magpies could be bracing themselves for a long night’s work on home soil. Last seen getting hit with a 4-0 drumming against defending champions Manchester City, the relegation scrappers also hold a woeful record against Monday’s guests. Two sides battling it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, we’re backing an away victory here.
Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Unibet
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