The experts are predicting Newcastle United to exert revenge for their Carabao Cup defeat last month. A depleted Manchester United arrive at St James’ Park for a showdown that could prove pivotal in the Champions League race.
Should the Magpies win, they will move above Erik ten Hag’s side - and into third place - on goal difference. The Red Devils will be without the suspended Casemiro while the injured Marcel Sabitzer (knee) will join Christian Eriksen (foot) and Anthony Martial (groin) on the treatment table. Raphael Varane and Marcus Rashford are also doubts for the clash.
This will be the third time both clubs have faced each other in 2022-23. In October, Newcastle ground out a 0-0 draw but the 2-0 defeat at Wembley last month is still fresh in supporters’ minds. However, the pundits believe Eddie Howe is set to have the last laugh by Sunday evening…
Chris Sutton
Speaking to the BBC, former Blackburn Rovers striker Sutton backed Newcastle to clinch all three points. He said: “I've been wrong about Manchester United a few times this season but I don't think their form has been that great recently, whatever their results have been like.
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“They were very fortunate to recover to beat Fulham in the FA Cup last time out, and that was not the only time recently where they got away with it a bit - they have not been at their best for a while.
“It would still not surprise me at all if Erik ten Hag's side went to St James' Park and won but this is an enormous game in the fight for the top four and I am expecting Newcastle United to rise to the occasion.
“I like the way the Magpies play and, although they have not always turned that into goals, they've had more of a cutting edge since Alexander Isak returned to full fitness. I have a feeling the Sweden striker will make the difference again here.”
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Man United
Paul Merson
Ex-Arsenal talisman Merson also thinks Newcastle will win this weekend. In his SportsKeeda column, he cited Man United’s poor form as a reason to favour the Magpies.
“What a game!” Merson wrote. “This game could really open it up. If Newcastle win this game, Man United will need to work hard to get into the top four. They could end up in fifth place in the Premier League table by the end of the weekend.
“Manchester United aren't playing well at the moment and they're very reliant on Marcus Rashford and his goals. Someone else has got to chip in now. They've had some results but they aren't ripping it up. Newcastle are playing at home and a draw isn't good enough for them. I'm going to go with Newcastle to win this game.”
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Man United
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