Prediction: Newcastle vs Manchester United

3rd January 2012

Manchester United were not punished for the disappointing home defeat to Blackburn as the Red Devils remained tied on points with leaders Manchester City, but another slip-up is not an option for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Newcastle continued the poor run of results by losing to Liverpool, but the Magpies are hoping they can take at least one point from this clash.

Even if Newcastle fans didn’t believe Alan Pardew was the right man for the job when he arrived to St James Park a year ago, the underrated manager have done brilliantly with the squad at his disposal. After helping the team to a strong finish of the previous Premier League campaign, Pardew led Newcastle to unimagined heights this season, although the recent poor run of form is threatening to hurt their push for European places. Last few weeks have shown that the Magpies lack the quality as well as some strength in depth to match the best sides in the league, and after taking just five points from last eight league games, Newcastle don’t have much to hope for before the clash with Manchester United. The lack of confidence was there for everyone to see when they allowed Liverpool to easily overturn a one-goal deficit on Friday, and I seriously doubt the hosts can fare much better in this match. Former Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan is likely to miss out with a toe injury, whereas Nile Ranger, Steven Taylor, Sylvain Marveaux and Danny Guthrie remain long-term casualties.

The mere fact that Manchester United’s poor run of results that was responsible for Carling Cup and Champions League elimination started with the home draw against Newcastle proves that Red Devils will be out to get revenge when they face the same side at St James Park. Manchester United deserved to win the game by a big margin, but ended up missing out on the victory when the Magpies were awarded a non-existent penalty. United have since raised their game a great deal, winning five straight Premier League games before the embarrassing defeat to Blackburn at the weekend. Fergie’s men may not have been punished for the defeat as Manchester City lost at the Stadium of Light, but they were certainly exposed to the famous hairdryer treatment from the Scotsman, who was denied a chance to properly celebrate his 70th birthday. Considering the circumstances, we can now expect a strong performance from the Red Devils, especially as Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Ryan Giggs are all expected to return.

Conclusion

Newcastle are clearly going through a rough patch at the moment and they don’t look capable of stopping United from winning this game. The Red Devils rarely make two slip-ups in a row, and I believe they can be trusted to claim maximum point at St James Park, or Sports Direct Arena, as it is now called.

Verdict: Away win Manchester United (2)

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: 888sport