Manchester United vs Newcastle: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Newcastle make the trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in what is a crucial fixture in the battle for European football.

Date: 15/05/24

Kick-off time: 20:00

Venue: Old Trafford

This game could decide which of these two teams secures European football for next season. Man United are currently eighth and are the outsiders following their defeat at home to Arsenal last weekend. Just one win in five has meant they have slid from a strong position in sixth to becoming the underdogs. They trail seventh place Chelsea by three points and have a much inferior goal difference meaning they need to win and hope the Blues lose to overtake them. This week’s opponents are also three points ahead of them, so anything but a win would not be helpful.

Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed some much improved form of late, winning three of their last five. This has moved them up to sixth and into a very strong position for another season playing in Europe. They are level on points with Chelsea, so must pick up three points in order to maintain their place.

The hosts are struggling at both ends, scoring just one goal and conceding six in their last three. They have endured many injuries, especially in the centre back area, having to use Casemiro in that position. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have also been absent, which has contributed to their offensive struggles. Newcastle have been much more potent in front of goal, scoring 10 in their last three, though nine of those came against relegated Sheffield United and Burnley. However, they will be confident in finding the back of the net against a defence who have not kept a clean sheet in eight league games. Alexander Isak has had an excellent campaign, scoring 20 goals so far.

Man United have lost three games in a row against Newcastle, in both the Premier League and League Cup. Prior to this run, they had not been beaten in seven in all competitions. They met in the cup earlier this season, in which the Magpies won 3-0. The reverse fixture earlier this season was a narrow 1-0 win for the hosts at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon’s 55th minute strike proved the difference.

Man United

Mason Mount missed the last game with a minor injury and could miss this game as well. They were also without the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes at the weekend.

Newcastle

Newcastle have been hampered with many injuries, most of which are season-ending. However, they could be handed a boost with striker Callum Wilson set to return from a minor injury. Fabian Schar could also return, but he is further behind in his recovery.

Man United

In their last five games, Manchester United have won one, drawn two and lost two. It has been a rough stretch for United, which has seen them drop out of the European places. This run started in the FA Cup, as they booked their place in the final following a penalty shootout win against Coventry. This came after a 3-3 draw after extra-time. However, United had blown a three-goal lead which led to spot kicks, including a 95th minute equaliser from Haji Wright.

Focus shifted back to Premier League action with a 4-2 win against bottom side Sheffield United, though the game was a lot closer than the final scoreline suggests. The Blades went ahead twice, but were pegged back by Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes. With 10 minutes to go, the Portuguese scored once more to put the hosts ahead, before Rasmus Hojlund added an insurance goal. A disappointing result followed as they drew 1-1 at home to struggling Burnley. It was a fairly even game throughout, and Antony thought he scored the winner with 11 minutes remaining. The Clarets refused to lie down and were able to level it from the spot in the final few minutes.

They failed to respond to this setback, as they were crushed 4-0 away from home at Crystal Palace. The hosts went in front early, with a strike from Michael Olise, and this lead was doubled before half-time by Jean-Phillipe Mateta. They started the second just as they did the first, and added another through Tyrick Mitchell. Olise grabbed his second to complete the rout. Their most recent game was at home to rivals Arsenal, and they lost 1-0 to a first half Leandro Trossard winner.

Newcastle

In their last five games, Newcastle have won three, drawn one and lost one. It has been a dominant stretch for Newcastle as they strengthened their position in the top seven. Their most recent game was a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton as Sean Longstaff’s strike cancelled out Joel Veltman’s opener. It meant they could not carry forward the momentum they gained after a convincing 4-1 win at relegation threatened Burnley a week prior. The Clarets had made a good start, but goals from Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak condemned them to a large defeat. Dara O’Shea pulled one back late on.

This followed another huge win, 5-1 at home to already relegated Sheffield United. The visitors actually took the lead through Anel Ahmedhodzic, but five unanswered from Isak (x2), Guimaraes, Wilson and a Ben Osman own goal turned it around. Their only defeat of this run came away at Crystal Palace, falling 2-0. Palace dominated in shot attempts, though Newcastle edged the possession. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brace proved the difference in the 2-0 win.

They dealt a blow to Tottenham’s Champions League hopes with a 4-0 win over the North Londoners. Spurs were extremely dominant in possession, enjoying 73% of the ball overall, but Isak broke the deadlock after half an hour, before Anthony Gordon doubled the lead almost instantly. A third was scored by Isak shortly after the restart, and Fabian Schar added a fourth late on to complete the rout.

Man United have endured plenty of struggles as of late, making this a must win to keep their European hopes alive. As a result, we expect them to use their home advantage to edge a win in a closely contested game – Man United 2-1 Newcastle

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Man United vs Newcastle will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

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