Premier League: Newcastle are Up Next in Man United’s Demanding Itinerary

Newcastle United vs Manchester United

Manchester United’s gruelling run of games continues this weekend. After taking on Everton on Sunday and Galatasaray on Wednesday, Erik ten Hag’s boys are slated to clash with Newcastle United at St. James Park on Saturday night.

The Red Devils are one of the most in-form teams currently in the Premier League, with only one loss in their last five games to improve to sixth place.

Yes, their league results have been good, but this SBOTOP writer knows well that Manchester United have yet to peak in terms of their overall performance.

Eddie Howe’s men will present yet another challenge because they are right behind Manchester United in seventh place. And given his team’s recent success over their visitors, they will be eager to one-up them once again.

Talking Points

Isak back on the scoresheet for Newcastle

After a hot start this season, Alexander Isak had to sit out a couple of matches due to issues with his groyne and knee, and it’s no coincidence that the Magpies saw a dip in their form.

Since Isak returned to the starting XI, the Magpies haven’t lost in their last two outings. Isak returned to the scoresheet in Newcastle United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday, scoring the first goal of the game in the 13^th minute to set the tone.

And he also scored the first goal against PSG last night in the Champions League group stage. If it weren’t for the referees and the VAR, Newcastle United should’ve come away with a 1-0 win instead of a 1-1 draw.

Manchester United’s backline will have their hands full against Newcastle United since Isak is not the only one who is a threat in the final third.

Callum Wilson is right behind Isak with seven goals, while Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron have been solid as well, accounting for nine goals and four assists combined so far this term.

Manchester United’s youngsters stepping up

Alejandro Garnacho was in the Premier League 2023 highlights reel when he made his outrageous bicycle kick a la Wayne Rooney in Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Everton last weekend.

And in last night’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray in the Champions League, the Argentinian winger was also the first scorer of the game with his left-footed shot in the 11^th minute.

Garnacho is not the only Manchester United academy graduate who has excelled lately, as Kobbie Mainoo instantly became a fan favourite after his Man of the Match performance against the Toffees.

In his first-ever Premier League start, the 18-year-old midfielder won 100-per cent of his tackles, posted 83-per cent accuracy in his passes, completed five duels, 57 touches, and three ball recoveries, which just goes to show how mature he is beyond his years.

In a season plagued with injuries and front office uncertainty, Erik ten Hag can take solace in the fact that his youngsters are trending in the right direction. Once they have a healthier squad, Manchester United should definitely be more competitive.

History

In 2023 alone, Newcastle United and Manchester United have faced off three times, with the former winning their last two meetings and the latter winning the other one.

Of course, who could forget their EFL Cup final in February, where the Red Devils came away with a 2-0 victory to end their six-year trophy drought, as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford scored two first-half goals?

However, after that, the Magpies won against the Red Devils in a home league fixture in April (2-0) before eliminating them in the EFL Cup Round of 16 four weeks ago (3-0).

Newcastle United have never beaten Manchester United in consecutive league matches since October 1972, and they are looking to win three consecutive meetings with them across all competitions for the first time since January 1922.

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2023 odds favour the hosts to leapfrog their visitors on Saturday. Newcastle United are at 2.00 odds, while a win for Manchester United is not out of the question at 3.30, and a draw is at 3.35 in the 1X2 market.

These two teams have formed a rivalry this year, so we expect another fun battle. But we’re going to give the edge to the hosts since they have had their visitors’ number lately.

For alternative bets, you may want to take a look at Total Goal 2-3 at 1.96. However, if you’re swinging for the fences, check out Correct Score 3-0 in favour of the Magpies since it is on offer at a staggering 19.00.

 

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