Newcastle United vs Manchester United
I was at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon to watch Manchester United move up to third in the Premier League table – a scenario no-one would have envisaged at the turn of the year.
Yet as pleased as this SBOTOP observer was with the result, he also knew that it was far from a vintage showing from his beloved team.
Certainly, a much improved display will be required on Tyneside if the Red Devils are to deliver even more Premier League 2026 highlights.
Interim manager Michael Carrick heads back to his native North East to meet opponents who are still alive in the FA Cup and Champions League this term but well off the pace in the top flight.
As a result, his opposite number will know his side need to show improvement of their own if they are to climb up the table.
Talking Points
The Geordies’ latest defeat, at home to Everton on Saturday, demonstrated the best and worst of Eddie Howe’s men.
Twice they drew level in that contest only to concede again on both occasions within two minutes of scoring.
Even then, Newcastle would have rescued a point but for a stunning save from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The hosts’ attacking talent may be obvious but it’s clear where their main weakness is for they have conceded 23 goals in all competitions since they last kept a clean sheet.
A defensive resilience, which they are capable of, will need to be rediscovered quickly with mouthwatering cup games against Barcelona and Manchester City to come later this month.
For United, there were moments in Sunday’s victory over spirited Crystal Palace – a match which turned on the Eagles harshly (in my view) being reduced to 10 men – where they looked shaky but they recovered their composure.
It’s hoped the loss of England duo Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire in that contest won’t keep them out of the trip, especially with Matthijs de Ligt and, probably, Lisandro Martinez still absent at the heart of the visitors’ defence.
History
This fixture produced one of the most exciting comebacks I’ve ever witnessed on duty for SBOTOP.
It was October 2018 and then United boss Jose Mourinho was under pressure after a poor start to the season.
That pressure grew tenfold when the Magpies netted twice in the opening 10 minutes to briefly silence all but a corner of Old Trafford.
The stirring fightback that followed in the final 20 minutes, resulting in Alexis Sanchez’s last-gasp winner, brought special scenes to those of a Red and White affiliation.
It’s just over two months since these teams met, a Boxing Day clash settled by a stunning finish from Patrick Dorgu.
A year earlier, I first questioned then newly appointed United boss Ruben Amorim as Alexander Isak and Joelinton were both left unmarked and allowed free headers in the opening 19 minutes at Old Trafford.
They also ran United ragged in this corresponding meeting last season, a 4-1 win secured through goals from Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes (two) and Bruno Guimaraes. Alejandro Garnacho replied for United.
Overall, United have 93 wins in this fixture with 48 Newcastle successes and 41 meetings ending level.
Betting Tip
Few expect Newcastle’s poor form to continue.
They have just lost a third consecutive home game for the first time since February 2021 and have only two clean sheets in 21 league games.
The Premier League betting odds expect this to be close.
In fact, it could barely be closer.
Newcastle are slight favourites in one bet, priced 1X2 @ 2.46 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.25.
But United are a good bet too, on offer 1X2 @ 2.49 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.21.
The Draw is a tasty bet @ 3.39.
A re-run of last season’s meeting will pay out @ 50.00 with Correct Score 4-1.
If you are leaning towards another 1-0 United victory, then how about Correct Score 0-1 @ 12.00?
Both these teams have some potent attacking talent and that is reflected in various attacking odds.
For example, see how total goal 0-1 @ 4.54 contrasts with Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.15, 4-6 @ 2.59 and over 3.25 @ 2.14.
I am expecting an intense, end-to-end encounter which could be super entertaining for the neutrals.
Newcastle fans will demand a response to their recent form under the floodlights and there will be a passionate atmosphere as the team that pipped them to successive league titles in the mid 1990s arrive.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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