Prediction: Newcastle vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who have their sights set on clinching a top-four finish this season, Newcastle will welcome Manchester United to St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have shown some extended issues when returning from the World Cup’s winter break, Eddie Howe’s men did enter the international interval enjoying a crucial boost. Last seen on March 17th claiming a last-gasp 2-1 victory away at relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, the one-time Bournemouth boss has seen his side gain a string of plaudits this season. Marking their return to Premier League duties this weekend sat just two points adrift of breaking into the Champions League spots, the Magpies will be desperate to make a heavyweight showdown here. Likewise, clinching back-to-back top-flight wins and on course for a history-making campaign in the north east, Howe’s men have also lost just a trio of their 26 Premier League appearances so far this season. However, facing what could be another stern test here, Newcastle are seeking some much-needed defensive resolve. It should be highlighted, Sunday’s hosts have failed to muster a single clean sheet from any of their last eight matchups across all competitions.

Team News

In what could be a real boost for Newcastle this weekend, Joelinton is available to make his return after serving a two-match suspension. The Magpies are hopeful that Nick Pope will be able to start between the sticks at St. James’.

Bagging a brace away at Nottingham Forest last time out, Swedish international Alexander Isak should once again spearhead Howe’s attack here. However, Miguel Almiron remains a major doubt on Sunday afternoon after suffering a recent thigh issue.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have come under a huge amount of scrutiny following their infamous 7-0 defeat away at Anfield on March 5th, Erik ten Hag’s men have certainly proven that was nothing more than a minor blip. Last seen heading into the international break with an action-packed 3-1 victory at home against Fulham as they punched their FA Cup semi-final ticket, the former Ajax boss will know that his side faces a crucial showdown here. Extending on their Europa League adventure prior to the fortnight interval as they claimed a 5-1 aggregate romp against Spanish outfit Real Betis, United have lost just one of their previous 16 appearances across all competitions. With that run stemming all the way back to a 3-2 loss against Arsenal on January 22nd, Sunday’s guests should be boosted by their most recent meeting against the Magpies. Lifting this season’s EFL Cup on February 26th as they secured a 2-0 win at Wembley, ten Hag will be calling on a repeat performance this weekend.

Team News

While Marcus Rashford might have withdrawn from England’s March qualifiers, the 25-year-old is expected to play some part at St. James’ Park. However, picking up a recent ankle injury, Alejandro Garnacho is a major doubt on Sunday afternoon.

Likewise, Manchester United will once again be without midfield talisman Casemiro as they Brazilian ace is still serving a domestic suspension. Bagging four goals while away with Scotland over the past fortnight, Scott McTominay will be hoping for a full recall here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met in the EFL Cup final on February 26th, Manchester United claimed a 2-0 victory at Wembley.
• The Red Devils are unbeaten in each of their previous seven meetings against Newcastle – a run that stems back to October 2019.
• Manchester United have lost just one of their last 16 appearances across all competitions.
• Newcastle have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last eight matchups across all formats.
• The last two Premier League meetings between Newcastle and Manchester United at St. James’ Park have produced seven strikes.

Conclusion

Two sides who have their sights set on claiming a top-four finish come May, neutrals will be hoping for a real classic on Sunday afternoon. Watching Newcastle head into the international break with back-to-back 2-1 victories against Nottingham Forest and Wolves, the Magpies will be desperate to make a heavyweight statement at St. James’ Park. However, without a single clean sheet from their last eight attempts, Howe’s side will know that they face a real test here. With United suffering just one defeat since the end of January, the Red Devils will also be excited by their EFL Cup success at Wembley. However, while ten Hag’s men might have clinched a rather routine 2-0 victory on February 26th, we are expecting plenty of chances here. With their last two Premier League meetings in the north east producing seven strikes at both ends of the pitch, we are backing a similar enjoyable affair.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet