Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker:
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
