Preview and Prediction
Ole Solksjaer’s men’ title race has just begun. Yet their form has been rather disappointing lately after failing to secure maximum points in the past two games. Such definitely cost their chance to entail their neighbour, Manchester City on the top with small margin. The Red Devils are seven points behind them with only forty six points. This weekend should be their opportunity to bounce back when they take on the Magpies, which are on a mission to avoid relegation.
The teams’ previous games
Manchester United was surprisingly unable to snatch three points in the previous fixture. They were held in a 1-1 draw by another team fighting for relegation battle, West Bromwich Albion. They were one goal behind as Mbaye Diagne’s header found the back of the net. United had to wait till the end of the first half to find an equaliser after Bruno Fernandes buried the ball from Luke Shaw’s cross.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United suffered a loss while travelling to Stamford Bridge. Olivier Giroud’s and Timo Werner’s goals made the difference in this fixture. The series of Tuchel’s men’s unbeaten run stretches to six games now.
Possible tactic
Ole Solksjaer is likely to keep on employing 4-2-3-1. However, the Norwegian boss might play Anthony Martial instead of Edison Cavani as the frontman, while Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford are playing wide supported by Bruno Fernandes as the anchorman. The only names on the sideline are Paul Pogba and Phil Jones.
Meanwhile, Steve Bruce and Graeme Jones should be returning to employ the 4-3-1-2 formation instead of 4-3-3. Miguel Almiron is the number ten who anchor the build-up supported by Allan Saint-Maximin playing wide up front alongside Joelinton. Callum Wilson is still ruled out along with Fabian Schars, Federico Fernandez, Javier Manquillo, and the Ireland international, Jeff Hendricks is serving his ban.
Players to watch
Bruno Fernandes may still be the key man in the squad but some other figures deserve some recognition too such as the left back Luke Shaw who has contributed five assists, the versatile defensive midfielder Scott McTominay and the skipper Harry Macguire.
The Paraguayan international, Miguel Almiron has thrived under a new role as a playmaker which enables him to hold the ball more often. He has notched up four goals and one assist so far. Another notable name to watch is the former Nice man Allan Saint-Maximin who excels at speed and dribbling.
Manchester United vs Newcastle Prediction
Marcus Rashford and Co must win this game to get back in the race. Yet, they have to be careful not to slip again just like in the last outing. Steve Bruce’s men still have the potential to stumble them with ultra defensive tactical approach combined with the creativity of Almiron and Saint-Maximin. However, Manchester United will come out as a winner eventually.
Betting odds
The punters are definitely backing Ole Solksjaer’s men here. They are projected to win at 2/7, whereas Newcastle’s win market is at 11/1. The draw result is at the value of 27/5.
