Newcastle host Manchester United at St James’ Park for this top-four defining battle and the first match between the two sides since the Carabao Cup Final in February, in which Manchester United prevailed.
Since then, Manchester United have struggled for league form, drawing to Southampton and enduring their worst-ever Premier League defeat at Anfield; a 7-0 loss. On the other hand, Newcastle enjoyed more success during March, beating both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle currently sits in fifth place, on 47 points, but a win would see them leapfrog Manchester United in third place.
Newcastle welcome Joelinton back to the squad but Anthony Gordon is still doubtful, nursing an ongoing ankle injury. Miguel Almiron is also out with a thigh injury.
Manchester United’s midfield general Casemiro misses out through suspension. Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho also are ruled out. There is a potential return for French striker Anthony Martial, who hasn’t featured since United triumphed over Manchester City in January.
Key Facts:
Newcastle:
– Apart from Manchester United (8), no team has conceded fewer home goals than Newcastle this season (9).
– Three points for Newcastle would see them reach 50 points for the first time since 2011/12
– Newcastle have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last eight games, having kept ten consecutively before that
– Newcastle have only beaten Manchester United once in their last nine Premier League meetings
Manchester United:
– Manchester United have won 14 games away at Newcastle, more than at any other side
– The Red Devils have conceded 27 away league goals this season. Only relegation-battling Leicester, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have worse defensive away records
– United haven’t beaten Newcastle in either of their last two Premier League meetings. They have not gone three league games without a win against Newcastle since 2012.
Betting Tip One: Marcus Rashford to score first: 11/2 (Bet365)
Newcastle have conceded first in five of their last six games, and are without a clean sheet in eight games. Rashford has been in red-hot form this season, with 27 goals already, and is United’s talisman. United’s next top scorer is Bruno Fernandes with 10. Rashford has opened the scoring six times already in 2023 and I’m backing him to do the same again today.
Betting Tip Two: Kieran Trippier to have three tackles (or more): 11/8 (Bet365)
Up against one of the trickiest wingers in world football, Marcus Rashford means that Trippier has a serious job on his hands today. Trippier averages 2.0 tackles per game in the Premier League but has achieved three tackles in eight of his last 14 games. Due to the higher quality of opposition today, it is likely that Trippier will have more opportunities to make tackles and that is why I think this is a good option.
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