Newcastle head to Old Trafford on Boxing Day hoping to avoid their third consecutive defeat while Manchester United are eager to get another three points on the board after last weekend's setback at Aston Villa. The Magpies have been knocked out of the League Cup last week before suffering a painful derby defeat against Sunderland at the weekend. Alan Pardew's men have just one win in their last five league games and sit ninth in the table.
Goalkeepers Tim Krul and Rob Elliott remain sidelined, so young Jak Alnwick should continue between the sticks. Steven Taylor should be available despite picking up a facial injury during last weekend's match while Cheick Tiote will be suspended.
Manchester United were held to a draw at Aston Villa last weekend, a result which denied them the seventh consecutive league win. The Red Devils are 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea and seven behind second-placed Manchester City. Angel di Maria could make his comeback in the starting eleven while Chris Smalling could also make his return. Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini are all sidelined while Daley Blind might not be fully fit yet after recovering from a knee injury.
Probable line-ups:
Manchester United: De Gea - Jones, Smalling, Evans, Rafael - Carrick, Di Maria, Young, Mata - Rooney, Van Persie
Newcastle United: Alnwick - Janmaat, Taylor, Coloccini, Dummett - Williamson, Colback, Gouffran, Sissoko - Cisse, Perez
My prediction: Manchester United to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Manchester United win - 2/5 Draw - 4/1 Newcastle win - 8/1
kkole 9 years ago
I don't want to brag, but my prediction was 3-1.. Correct haha :) And with this team Manchester United can fight for the first place in Premier league. Rooney, Van persie, Falcao, Mata ... who have players like that? (except Real and Barca) and when Angel Di Maria come back in full fitness I think that this will be one...
I don't want to brag, but my prediction was 3-1.. Correct haha :) And with this team Manchester United can fight for the first place in Premier league. Rooney, Van persie, Falcao, Mata ... who have players like that? (except Real and Barca) and when Angel Di Maria come back in full fitness I think that this will be one of the best teams in europe.
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VlahovicNovo 9 years ago
Manchester United after 6 win in a row last week got draw with Aston Vila.They are in very good form and in this match for me they are big favorite.Newcastle all season play cold-hot and with no balance.They are in bad form 2 losses in a row.Here i expect easy win for Manchester United.
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kkole 9 years ago
I think that this is must win match for Manchester United, they will try to continue playing good and with Angel Di Maria who should be fit for this game it will be easier. Manchester have great attackers like Rooney, Van Persie and Radamel Falcao and I think that this will be match with a lot of goals and my prediction...
I think that this is must win match for Manchester United, they will try to continue playing good and with Angel Di Maria who should be fit for this game it will be easier. Manchester have great attackers like Rooney, Van Persie and Radamel Falcao and I think that this will be match with a lot of goals and my prediction is 3-1 for Manchester.
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seculla 9 years ago
Manchester United somehow managed to find their rhythm after their bad start of the season. As sharpe said they are on 7 games without loss, but Newcastle despite their not very good season are very difficult team to beat. They showed that in the match against Chelsea and they beat them. This match will be very equal but...
Manchester United somehow managed to find their rhythm after their bad start of the season. As sharpe said they are on 7 games without loss, but Newcastle despite their not very good season are very difficult team to beat. They showed that in the match against Chelsea and they beat them. This match will be very equal but I think that United will be better team and they will win.
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sharpe 9 years ago
I think both teams are not in a great shape at the moment(despite Manchester United's 7 games without loss in the league).The good news for MU is the very probable returning of Angel di Maria who is very influential over the United's game in the season so far.Maybe Newcastle United have some chance in this game.
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