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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Dan Brown

Newcastle and Manchester United injury latest and team news ahead of Premier League clash

Manchester United return to Premier League action against Newcastle at St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon, with Erik ten Hag's side looking to strengthen their grip on their four-four place.

Newcastle, who lost to the Reds in the Carabao Cup final in February, remain firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, and they will be desperate to get some revenge on United. The Magpies currently sit fifth in the top-flight table, while Ten Hag's men find themselves in third - three points clear of Eddie Howe's side.

The Reds defeated Real Betis in the Europa League and Fulham in the FA Cup prior to the international break. Meanwhile, they drew 0-0 with Southampton in their last Premier League tie.

ALSO READ: Marcus Rashford travels with Manchester United squad for Newcastle game

Ten Hag's side face a tough test against Newcastle at St. James' Park, with the Magpies having impressed under Howe so far this campaign. Ahead of the clash, MEN Sport looked at their team news, recent form and key players...

Newcastle team news

Having enjoyed a productive season to date, Howe is unlikely to make any drastic changes to his usual line-up. The Magpies secured a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest in their last match before the March internationals, but they could be without one of their key players for the game with United.

Miguel Almiron, who has been superb this term, is sidelined with a thigh injury. However, the home side could be boosted by the returns of Anthony Gordon (Ankle) and Sven Botman (Illness), while Nick Pope (Thigh) is expected to play after failing to train ahead of the win over Forest.

Meanwhile, Joelinton is back after suspension and should return to the starting line-up. Newcastle typically set-up in a 4-3-3 formation, somewhat akin to United's. Their starting XI could be: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Saint-Maximin.

Recent form

In their last five league games, Newcastle have two wins, two draws and a loss. They have won their last two Premier League matches - overcoming Forest (2-1) and Wolves (2-1).

The two defeats came to Manchester City and Liverpool, while the draw was at Bournemouth.

Newcastle have only lost three times all season - the same amount as league-leaders Arsenal.

Key players

Newcastle's key man is undoubtedly Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder has thrived with the Magpies since making the surprise switch to the club. The 25-year-old has registered four goals and three assists in 28 appearances in all competitions this term.

United will need to limit his time on the ball, with the Newcastle ace creating an average of two big chances a game, while also averaging 39.4 accurate passes. With Casemiro sidelined through suspension, Fred could be tasked with keeping an eye on his compatriot.

In attack, Isak has scored in his last two Premier League matches - including a late winner against Steve Cooper's side. He has missed a host of matches with a hamstring injury, but the Sweden forward has still managed six goals in 15 matches in all competitions.

The Magpies have also been impressive defensively this season, with Sven Botman and Fabian Schar forming a solid partnership at the heart of defence. Howe's men have conceded significantly less goals than any other side in the division (19).

United team news and form

Ten Hag is unlikely to make any drastic changes to the United team, but with Casemiro suspended, he will have to tweak things from the last Premier League game. The Reds' likely starting XI is: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Martinez, Varane, Shaw; Fred, McTominay, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Weghorst.

United will be desperate to finish third this season, but a top-four finish is ultimately their main goal. Given that they sit just three points ahead of Newcastle in fifth, Saturday's clash is a huge game. In their last five league games, United have two wins, three draws and a loss.

In terms of injury news, United should have Marcus Rashford in their line-up. He was a surprise withdrawal from the England squad, but travelled with the team to Newcastle. Meanwhile, Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane should join him in the squad having both missed the win over Fulham in the FA Cup.

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