Manchester United return from the international break with an away trip to Newcastle United. United have dropped five out of the last possible six points with a humiliating 7-0 loss to Liverpool and a frustrating 0-0 draw with Southampton at Old Trafford. Now a trip to St James’ Park and know if they lose to the home team, they could fall out of the top four by the end of Monday.

Newcastle have recorded back to back wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest but before then suffered three defeats in a row. All of which 2-0 losses – to Manchester City and Liverpool in the league and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final. They’ll hope home advantage will give them a huge boost and get them back on track for Top Four. Here’s all you need to know:

Newcastle vs Manchester United Match Information:

Teams: Newcastle United and Manchester United
Date: Sunday 2nd April 2023
KO Time: 16:30 BST
Location: St James’ Park
Managers: Eddie Howe and Erik ten Hag
Referee: Stuart Atwell

Team News:

Newcastle United

Newcastle United are set to be without Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron through injury. Joelinton is back from suspension while Botman and Pope, who were unable to play internationally through injury, should be back to full fitness.

Manchester United

Manchester United will be delighted to have Anthony Martial fit and available after a LONG absence. Marcus Rashford withdrew from the England team through injury but is fit to play as well. Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho and Tom Heaton are all out injured. Marcel Sabitzer missed Austria’s second game through injury but was fit for the bench so could be back for tomorrow. Casemiro has three games left of his suspension so will not play for United until their home game against Sevilla.

Newcastle United vs Manchester United Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have drawn back-to-back league games against Newcastle United. However, have not lost against the Magpies for four years since a 1-0 loss at St James’ Park in 2019.
• Marcus Rashford has 10 G/A in 10 games against Newcastle United.
• If United fail to win tomorrow, it will be the first time in seven seasons they have failed to beat Newcastle in the Premier League campaign.

Predicted XI:

David de Gea will start tomorrow along with Martinez and Varane. Luke Shaw should continue after a week of rest and Wan-Bissaka ought to also be starting too. Without Casemiro, I anticipate McTominay will start and to combat Joelinton, Guimaraes and Longstaff, I think Fred will start. Bruno should start in the hole with Rashford and Antony wide. Weghorst could start as Martial may need to shake off some rust.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst

Predicted Score:

I think United will have problems keeping possession early on and I think Newcastle will give them a lot to worry about early on. United will need to cope with being under a lot of pressure for a lot of the game and will need to fight through it if they are to win. I also think United will concede first but pull it back for a draw.

United to draw 1-1