Game Week 14 Predictions: United to share points at Newcastle

Newcastle vs Man United: Revenge or Redemption in the Making?

Marcus Rashford will need to build on the goal he scored last weekend against Everton as Manchester United visit Newcastle on Saturday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 

Newcastle United vs. Manchester United

St. James’s Park

9:00pm

There’s a whole lot to unpack from this fixture. Newcastle and Manchester United meet again for the second time this season, and the visitors must feel a need to take revenge or make a statement.

Newcastle United conceded a harrowing penalty at the death against PSG in the Champions League in midweek, and Kylian Mbappe’s equalizer dragged them down on the log with just one to play, leaving them needing to do their own bit and then hoping Borussia Dortmund beats PSG too.

Manchester United’s situation in the Champions League is more difficult, and they must beat Bayern Munich and then hope Copenhagen and Galatasaray play out a draw. You must ask yourself how United sits at rock bottom in a group that has the Danish and Turkish champions.

League form is better for the Red Devils; they have won three on the bounce, and they’re defending better as well. They have managed to make light work of their injury woes, and having Luke Shaw back has settled the back four.

What’s at stake here? Manchester United needs to build on the brilliant result at Everton to steady the top-four push and, at least, move above Tottenham until Ange Postecoglou’s side travels to the Etihad to play the champions on Sunday.

Newcastle is in a good place domestically too, but it can be better. A win over Manchester United here will take the Geordies straight into the top five on goal difference until Spurs play their game on Sunday against City.

Newcastle beat Manchester United 3-0 in the League Cup to dump Erik Ten Hag’s men out of the competition, and this game comes off the back of both sides delivering premium performances to win their respective games in the league.

Newcastle beat Chelsea cleanly despite their injury problems, and United did the same to trouble Everton. Both sides will need a win to boost morale and get over the disappointments of the Champions League.

Marcus Rashford got a goal from the spot last weekend. Bruno Fernandes was magnanimous to allow him to take a penalty, hoping that would restore his confidence. Anthony Martial also scored a fine goal, but Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line at St. James’s Park.

Newcastle continues to struggle with injuries, with Eddie Howe confirming no one is coming back yet from the lot on the treatment table; however, Matt Longstaff and Joe Willock are both around the corner and could be back next weekend.

Verdict: Full-time draw