By Ian King
United on United
Newcastle had some excellent news this week with out even kicking a ball, with Arsenal’s win in opposition to Actual Madrid guaranteeing 5 English qualifiers into subsequent yr’s Champions League. They’ve additionally gained 4 in a row since getting knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton final month.
Information of Manchester United’s revival could have been barely over-exaggerated. They’ve solely misplaced one in every of their final 5, nevertheless it stays the case that, of the 4 League wins they’ve managed within the 15 video games performed since their 2-1 win at Manchester Metropolis in the midst of December, three of them have come in opposition to these occupying the relegation locations.
Newcastle aiming for a historic double
Newcastle have gained three of the final 4 conferences between these two, together with a 2-0 win at Outdated Trafford in December. A Newcastle win would full their first League double in opposition to Manchester United since 1930/31, once they gained 7-4 at Outdated Trafford and 4-3 at St James’ Park.
Key gamers
Two Newcastle gamers will should be on their greatest behaviour. Dan Burn and Joelinton should get via their subsequent two Premier League video games whereas avoiding yellow playing cards or face a two match suspension. The cut-off level for accumulating 10 yellow playing cards and being served a two match ban falls after this match and their upcoming midweek sport in opposition to Crystal Palace, subsequent Wednesday.
From a Manchester United perspective, all eyes shall be on goalkeeper André Onana following two fairly egregious goalkeeping errors which handed Lyon a 2-2 draw of their Europa League match. This kind of factor simply retains on taking place, doesn’t it? On a extra optimistic entrance, Leny Yoro scored his first objective for the membership throughout this match; his performances in an in any other case struggling crew have been one of many few standouts of their season to this point.
Crew Information
Newcastle have two potential key absentees for this match. Joe Willock will certainly be out due to FA concussion protocols following a head harm in the direction of the tip of their latest match at Brentford, whereas it stays to be seen whether or not Anthony Gordon shall be thought of match sufficient to play after selecting up a groin harm on worldwide obligation for England. Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Corridor can even be absent.
Manchester United’s harm issues are easing considerably, with Kobbie Mainoo making a quick look in opposition to Lyon, although Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Toby Collyer will all be lacking alongside Amad Diallo, who’s out for the remainder of this season.
Prediction
It doesn’t take a lot to solid a darkish cloud over Manchester United lately, and Onana’s antics in France on Thursday evening have had exactly that impact. United’s mushiness in entrance of objective coupled with Newcastle’s hearth energy and want for factors to keep up their Champions League chase signifies a cushty residence win. I’ll go for a 2-0 residence win and no finish to Manchester United’s 2024/25 purgatory of kind.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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