Newcastle vs Manchester United Prediction & Betting Tips

January 1, 2019

Posted by Tesla

Even though they’re currently above the relegation zone, Newcastle are still among the biggest candidates for relegation. For that not to happen, they will have to perform very well in the second half of the Premier League season. And that also implies that they will have to try to win points against heavyweights like Manchester United. The Magpies take on the Red Devils on Wednesday at the St. James Park and if you plan to bet on that game, here’s something that might help you – our Newcastle vs Manchester United prediction and betting tips!

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford on December 26, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Newcastle

Newcastle are clear underdogs in this game, but they were also underdogs in February last year when they beat Man United. That match was also played at St. James Park, so maybe their supporters can lead them to glory this time as well?

Newcastle have a pretty decent record against Man United at home, but their home form this season hasn’t been that spectacular. In fact, in the first half of the season, they won only 2 games at St. James Park, drawing once and losing on 7 occasions. They allowed 15 goals in total in those 10 matches, scoring only 7.

Obviously, no one can say that they’re underachieving for a simple fact – their players are just not good enough to compete for a place in the top half of the table. But, they do have a very experienced manager. Rafa Benitez is a guy with plenty of experience with matches like these. In fact, his teams have faced Manchester United many, many times and in many of those games, Benitez’ side were the victors.

Saying that they have a chance to win against Man United does seem strange, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they managed to get a draw. One thing is certain, they’re going to make the Red Devils work really hard in order to get anything from this game.

Manchester United

They have a new manager, which seems to be very good from their players’ side of view. Many of them didn’t go very well with Mourinho, so having a new manager makes them feel better. Since Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer has been in charge, Man United players have started being more creative and much more motivated to score.

However, the fact is that Solskjaer isn’t a too experienced manager. He’s just here temporarily on a loan from Molde. Manchester United are almost certain to appoint a new, much more experienced manager at the end of the season.

And Solskjaer inexperience can cost them against Newcastle. As he’s already showed everyone, he wants his team to go out and attack from the very first moment. Such a play is attractive to the viewers, but it can create problems at the back. And that’s something that experienced manager like Rafa Benitez can take advantage of.

On the other hand, Man United have so many good players in the team, so maybe it won’t matter much what kind of strategy the manager of the opponents picks. Not only are their players talented, but they’re in a very good form at the moment, which can be what’s going to decide the outcome.

Team News

Newcastle absentees:

Florin Lejune (injury)

Manchester United absentees:

Chris Smalling (injury)
Antony Martial (doubtful)
Alexis Sanchez (doubtful)

Possible Lineups

Newcastle

Dubravka – Schar, Fernandez, Lescelles, Yedlin, Manquillo – Diame, Shelvey, Kenedy, Atsu – Rondon

Manchester United

De Gea – Lindelof, Jones, Dalot, Shaw – Herrera, Matic, Pogba – Mata, Rashford, Lukaku