Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their sensational Premier League purple patch, Manchester United will travel to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night when they meet Newcastle.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have extended on their Champions League adventure last week as they secured an empathic 9-3 aggregate victory against Azerbaijan outfit Qarabag, Eddie Howe still has some serious pressure on his shoulders. Putting in a nightmare defensive performance over the weekend as they slumped to a 3-2 loss at home against Everton, the former Bournemouth boss finds his downbeat squad scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the Premier League table. With sections of the St. James’ Park support making their frustrations abundantly clear, the Magpies have remarkably lost five of their previous six Premier League appearances – a rut that stems back to a 0-0 stalemate away at Wolves on January 18th. Showing some extended defensive issues, Newcastle should be bracing themselves for another stern examination on Wednesday night.
Newcastle Team News
In what is a huge blow for Howe’s side, Newcastle have already confirmed that talismanic skipper Bruno Guimaraes faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Likewise, undergoing ankle surgery back in January, Swiss defender Fabian Schar is set to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
Given what is a speedy turnaround from their nightmare 3-2 loss against Everton on Saturday, Howe could be tempted to make a string of alterations. Left as an unused substitute over the weekend, Dutch international Sven Botman could be handed a full recall.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, while there might have been plenty of raised eyebrows following Michael Carrick’s shock Old Trafford return back in January, Manchester United have embarked on a sensational rise under the former Middlesbrough boss. Mounting a comeback at home against Crystal Palace over the weekend as they dragged themselves to a 2-1 victory, the Red Devils find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high and they have skyrocketed themselves into the Champions League spots. Riding what has become a major wave of momentum, Wednesday’s guests will be looking to make another heavyweight statement here. Likewise, registering an astonishing 19 points from their first seven Premier League showdowns since Carrick’s arrivals, Man United also claimed a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Newcastle to Old Trafford for their reverse Premier League battle on Boxing Day.
Manchester United Team News
Only lasting 24 minutes against Crystal Palace on Sunday after suffering a heavy knock, Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of England international Luke Shaw. Still dealing with a recent calf issue, fellow defender Lisandro Martinez remains a doubt on Wednesday night and is not expected to feature at St. James’ Park.
Bagging the winner on Sunday and now registering seven goals in as many domestic appearances, the red-hot Benjamin Sesko will lead the line here. Forced to settle with a second-half cameo appearance over the weekend, Amad Diallo could be handed a full recall.
Newcastle vs Manchester United Key Factors to Consider
- When Newcastle and Manchester United met for their reverse Premier League showdown on Boxing Day, Wednesday’s guests collected a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
- Newcastle have remarkably lost five of their previous six Premier League appearances.
- Howe’s side have lost all of their last four consecutive domestic matchups at St. James’ Park by an aggregate 10-4.
- Man United have registered 19 points from their first seven Premier League appearances under Carrick’s guidance.
- The red-hot Benjamin Sesko has recorded seven goals in as many domestic appearances.
Conclusion
In the midst of what has become an astonishing Premier League flurry, Manchester United will be looking to make another top-four statement when they travel to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night. Mustering 19 points from their first seven Premier League showdowns under Carrick’s guidance, the Red Devils should be relishing a trip to Tyneside in midweek. It should also be highlighted, Newcastle have remarkably lost all of their last four straight domestic matchups in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 10-4.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster