Manchester United will entertain Newcastle United at the Old Trafford on Sunday night hoping to pick up a win and return to their winning ways in the Premier League. Having won their midweek tie against Real Sociedad, The Red Devils will head into the game in high spirits, aiming to pick up from where they left off in Turin. On the other hand, the Magpies will come into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea earlier this week.
Let’s take a look at how things are shaping up ahead of the weekend clash.
Team News
There has been little to no good news on the injury front for the hosts as they have been left sweating over the fitness of Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani, the same duo that missed out on the 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad due to muscular injuries. Furthermore, Scott McTominay remains a doubt for the clash against Newcastle this weekend.
Paul Pogba remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
“We think, or hope, both of them [Donny and Edinson will be fit] but we’re not sure,” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated.
“Maybe one, maybe two, maybe none. It’s one of those tight ones where you’ve got to make a call, probably after training on Saturday.’
“Of course, Paul is out and Phil is out. I don’t know how Scott is. I don’t know how Donny and Edinson will be either.
“They’ve got a chance, I think, so we’ve just got to give them until before training on Saturday as we need to pick a team on Saturday. We’ll see how they are and hopefully, they can both be available.” – The Norwegian signed off.
Flipping over to the visitors, Steve Bruce has confirmed that there has been no new injury concern ahead of their trip to Manchester; however, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez, and Javier Manquillo will remain unavailable for the upcoming away encounter.
Talking Tactics And Key Men
Manchester United form (all competitions): W-D-W-D-W
Newcastle United form (all competitions): L-W-L-W-L
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to make use of set-pieces and quick counter-attacks to break down the stubborn Newcastle defence; however, the absence of Scott McTominay and veteran striker Edinson Cavani might make things difficult for Manchester United.
Besides, up against a low-block defensive system, the wingers won’t be given much space to work with, so the attacking trio of Rashford, Martial and Greenwood will have to be clinical if they want to pick up a positive result.
Predicted Line-ups
Newcastle United possible starting XI:
Darlow; Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis; Willock, Hayden, Shelvey; Almiron, Gayle, Saint-Maximin
Manchester United possible starting XI:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Matic; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Our Prediction
Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle United.
