Manchester United are the in-form team in the Premier League with five wins in six games.
Only time will tell if there’s evidence to prove that this resurgence is based on fragile foundations. That said, Newcastle away will provide Erik ten Hag’s side with the type of test that will tell us a lot about the Reds.
With the Champions League hopes of Newcastle and United hanging by a thread following midweek draws, both sides will be desperate to boost their chances of qualifying for the next edition of that competition. On matchday 14 they will look to gain ground in the Premier League.
United’s European struggles continued on Wednesday as they squandered 2-0 and 3-1 leads in a 3-3 draw with Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Newcastle were denied a win in the Champions League after drawing 1-1 with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle go into Saturday’s game without Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Matt Target.
Speaking to reporters at his press conference on Friday afternoon, Ten Hag gave Newcastle credit for being an organised team (via Manchester Evening News): “I really respect them, it’s a difficult team to play but it’s a good challenge and I like to play against, we have to rise to the occasion, be on our best against them because the way they play is very organised.”
Of course, United beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley last season – and we’re all hoping for a similar result at St James’ Park.
Newcastle vs Manchester United prediction
Both teams will be trying to get back to winning ways after their midweek draws, and our away form didn’t stop us beating Everton 3-0 last weekend.
That’s why I fancy us to keep up our momentum in the Premier League with a 2-1 over Newcastle this weekend.
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