- Date: Saturday December 2 – 20.00 GMT
- Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- Teams: Newcastle United vs Manchester United
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Newcastle take on Man United
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has a number of key players unavailable, however, will be attempting to manage his resources in a bid to keep the Magpies moving forward. Despite struggling to produce fluent performances, Manchester United have picked up points amid their own injury crisis and are still in contention for the European places.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have managed a series of injuries and suspensions really well and are still in the mix for the European places and the domestic cups, while striving to keep this season’s European campaign alive. The Magpies will be hoping to stay in contention until some more of their big hitters return to action.
In midweek Newcastle were denied a victory away at PSG in the Champions League in hugely controversial circumstances when the home side were awarded a penalty after a VAR check deep into injury time. Kylian Mbappe converted the spot kick to cancel out Alexander Isak’s first half goal. However, despite the disappointment of being denied three points and the manner in which they were pegged back, Newcastle can take huge confidence from their performance.
Newcastle will go into the Manchester United match little or no better off on the injury front. Sean Longstaff had hoped to shake off an ankle injury in time to be involved, however, Howe has indicated that the midfielder may be a week or so away from a return. Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Joe Willock (Achilles), Matt Targett (thigh), Javier Manquillo (groin), Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (foot), Elliot Anderson (back), Callum Wilson (thigh) and Dan Burn (back) all remain out. The Magpies are also without the suspended Sandro Tonali until next season. Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth,Amadou Diallo, and Alex Murphy all should return to the squad after being ineligible for the Champions League. Lewis Hall was on the bench in Paris and should be involved again this weekend. He was not elligible for Newcastle’s previous league match as it was against his parent club, Chelsea.
Manchester United
Despite the criticism Man United have faced over some of their performances and over the disappointing manner of some of their defeats, they have amassed enough points to remain in contention. They will be looking for revenge over Newcastle after going out of the EFL Cup against Howe’s side in October.
While the Red Devils can be encouraged with their points return in the league, after winning five out of their last six matches, the Champions League is a different story. They came away from Istanbul with a point from their clash with Galatasaray, however, they contrived to surrender a two-goal advantage. Erik ten Hag’s side are now on the brink of a Champions League exit and remain in grave danger of finishing bottom of the group and crashing out of Europe all together.
Like Howe, Ten Hag is coping with something of an injury crisis. Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh), Mason Mount (calf), Jonny Evans (thigh), Christian Eriksen (knee), Amad Diallo (knee) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are all still on the sidelines. Jadon Sancho remains out of favour and exiled from the first team. Marcus Rashford will be back after setrving a Champions League suspension in midweek. Fit agian Antony may return to the bench to accomodate Rashford.
Prediction
Newcastle are looking strong at the moment, especially at home,however, their squad is becoming very stretched due to injuries and suspensions. Manchester United are on a good run in the league, especially awayt from home. We predict a score draw.
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