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Two sides who were in midweek Champions League action meet at St. James’ Park on Saturday teatime as Newcastle and Manchester United go head to head. This game kicks off at 8pm UK time.
Newcastle
Newcastle were left reeling on Tuesday evening following PSG’s controversially-awarded penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time. The Magpies can hold their heads up high having produced a decent performance despite possessing an injury-hit squad. Eddie Howe’s side must dust themselves down quickly and prepare for a Saturday night showdown with Manchester United.
Match has ended
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Despite losing several players to injury in recent weeks, Newcastle’s form hasn’t dipped dramatically and they remain incredibly tough to beat on their own patch. They have failed to win in any of their last three away fixtures, yet they have won each of their last five at this venue and have conceded just a single goal during that sequence.
Liverpool are the only side to have beaten them here this season with only the Reds and Arsenal having left this ground with maximum points across the last couple of campaigns.
Much was made of Newcastle’s bench at the weekend with three goalkeepers featured amongst the subs. With a number of younger players also having to fill gaps in the squad, Howe’s men look short on numbers and Sean Longstaff’s injury isn’t likely to help matters. The midfielder is likely to be out for a couple of weeks and looks almost certain to miss this weekend’s clash. The Magpies were missing 13 players last weekend with very few of the absentees likely to return in time for this one.
Manchester United
Curiously, Manchester United are the Premier League’s form side and they have won five of their last six in the top flight. Nevertheless, the reverted to type in the UCL in midweek as they surrendered a 3-1 lead to Galatasaray. Erik Ten Haag’s men can still qualify for the knock-out round of the tournament, although they’ve made things significantly tougher for themselves.
Despite their form, the Red Devils have to really convince going forward and they’ve been largely reliant on individual moments of magic from players such as Fernandes and Garnacho. The latter’s goal was spectacular at the weekend and got United off to the perfect start.
Having lost their opening two away games of the season, United have subsequently won four on the bounce and they’ve conceded just a single goal during the period. It’s worth noting that all four of those successes came against sides who sit 14th or below in the table. This will be far tougher.
United have lost all four matches against top-half sides and they haven’t beaten any side above 11th in the table. They’ve had a relatively kind start to the campaign and this is their first real test since losing to Manchester City at the end of October.
Head to Head
Newcastle enjoyed facing Manchester United last season and won both fixtures by an aggregate scoreline of 5-0. Newcastle are now unbeaten in four of their last five meetings with the Red Devils and they’ll be hoping to extend this sequence on Saturday.
This fixture hasn’t necessarily been a high-scoring contest in recent years with at least one of the two sides failing to score in each of the last four. However, prior to that, BTTS landed in five conseutive meetings.
Joe Willock has scored in each of the last two meetings with Manchester United, however, he is unlikely to be fit enough to feature here.
Key Betting Stats
- Man United have an xGA of 1.66 on the road this season despite conceding just a single goal per game.
- 50% of the goals that United have scored this season have arrived after the 71st minute.
- 38% of United’s game this season have featured exactly one goal.
- United away games have averaged just 2.33 goals per game this season, only Arsenal matches have averaged fewer.
- Only Liverpool have conceded fewer home goals than Newcastle (4) this season.
- Four of Anthony Gordon’s five goals have come at St. James’ Park
Match Prediction
United have proven adept on their travels this season, but they are likely to be tested at St. James’ Park. Newcastle still have issues with personnel, yet they should still edge out the visitors here. A narrow home victory is likely.
Winning Combo
Newcastle Win and Under 4.5 Goals
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