Game Week 32 Predictions: Newcastle to beat United

Newcastle host Man United at St James’ Park aiming for UCL spot; Red Devils focus on Europa League as league form continues to falter.

Newcastle's dream of returning to the Champions League this season could receive a major boost with a win over United at St. James's Park, will they take their chances? (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Newcastle vs Manchester United

St James Park

4:30pm

To put a bow on this weekend’s fixtures, Manchester United will travel to Tyneside; it’s Palm Sunday, and the devil’s job is to ruin it for the saints, only that the modern-day Red Devils have lost the sting in them.

The 2-2 draw in midweek against Olympique Lyon had Andre Onana written all over it. This makes you wonder if Ruben Amorim would take him out of the firing line despite standing with him after his gaffes. Will there be a change between the sticks?

Newcastle beat Leicester City comprehensively last time out, a result that has put them in a good place for Champions League football; however, they must not lose sight of basic things. A win on Sunday over Manchester United sees them move into fourth – what a strong position to be in.

The great works of Eddie Howe have been under the radar; with a trim squad and not a lot of quality in depth, he has been able to get the best out of them, and their triumph at Wembley in the Carabao Cup explains it in close detail.

Manchester United has an eye on the game against Lyon. They have absolutely nothing to play for in the league; they cannot sneak into European places on the evidence of recent results, and in fact, under Ruben Amorim, United is yet to record back-to-back wins. That’s strange.

Returning to the Champions League is no doubt the big dream for Newcastle; it would be a success of note for them to achieve that and add their cup success to it, and you’ll hold them up higher than most teams in the league.

The Europa League represents Manchester United’s last hope this season; they must beat Lyon on Thursday, and it’s just a matter of three wins from there. However, it won’t be easy with the likes of Frankfurt still in the mix.

Anthony Gordon is back in full training, but you still expect Jacob Murphy to earn the right spot after his double against Leicester and Harvey Barnes on the left; Joe Willock and Lewis Hall are both out of consideration. However, the Geordies have enough to face the Red Devils.

For United, Matthijs de Ligt is a major doubt, but Harry Maguire is available for selection. Ayden Heaven is unavailable, leaving Amorim with his makeshift back three, but the real work is in the attack, where the duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to find form. Who will score for United?

Verdict: Newcastle to win