Premier League action returns this weekend as Newcastle United host Manchester United at St James’ Park for matchday 14.
Both teams recently returned to European football and are now reflecting on their recent Champions League elimination earlier this week. The Magpies played to a controversial 1-1 draw against PSG, while the Red Devils shared the spoils with a thrilling 3-3 scoreline against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
Also read: Champions League: Mbappe Criticizes Newcastle Utd For Lack Of Competitiveness
Despite their recent exit, both teams can now concentrate exclusively on the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s team will seek to secure their sixth consecutive victory at St James Park, capitalizing on home advantage. Meanwhile, Eric Ten Hag’s team will aim to extend their impressive league-winning streak to four consecutive wins.
There’s not much of a difference between these two sides, with only a single point separating them on the points table. Man United is in sixth place with 24 points, secured through 8 wins. Meanwhile, Newcastle occupies the seventh place with 23 points from 7 wins so far this season.
Also read: Bendel Insurance’s Benjamin Tanimu Voted Player Of The Month
When and Where?
Where: St James Park
When: Saturday 2nd December 2023.
Time: 8 PM BST
Match Officials
Referee: Rob Jones
Assistants: Lee Betts & Timothy Wood
Fourth Official: Graham Scott
VAR Officials: Michael Salisbury
Assitant VAR: Ian Hussin
Team news
The Magpies are dealing with a long list of injured players. Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Elliott Anderson, Sean Longstaff, Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, and Dan Burn all remain on the sideline.
On the other hand, the Red Devils’ bench tells a similar story, with names such as Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, and Tyrell Malacia all unavailable for selection.
Also read: UCL: Dimitar Berbatov Warns Manchester United Midfielder
Match Analysis
Newcastle United is facing serious concerns with a depleted squad, to the extent that they were missing over a dozen names in the UCL encounter against PSG. As a result, Eddie Howe was forced to make no substitutions throughout the entire 90 minutes.
The Magpies have already defeated the same opponent in the EFL with a commanding 3-0 win in the EFL Cup. However, this time the scenario is a bit challenging, with several main players unavailable. Academy players who were called into action in the UCL are expected to continue against Man United this weekend.
Eddie Howe is expected to line up the same set of players in the familiar 4-3-3 formation. Although there’s hardly any scope for changes given the limited options on the bench, PSG was equally matched by the Magpies with their defensively resilient efforts to earn a point. Hence, the same lineup will be fielded against the motivated Red Devils.
Eric Ten Hag’s managed side is facing similar circumstances with an injured list of players. However, in terms of bench strength, they do have an advantage with options to experiment in the lineup. In their last outing at Goodison Park, Man United gave no chances to the home side in a 3-0 victory.
Also read: Renowned Coach Jose Mourinho Sets Sights On Managing Brazil National Team
The Dutch boss will employ the usual tactical shape of 4-2-3-1 with a few changes from the last UCL match. Despite some errors in the Champions League, Ten Hag backs Onana as the first-choice shot-stopper. Diego Dalot could start in place of Wan Bisaka in the back four, while in the midfield, Scott McTominay will maintain his position as a defensive midfielder, pairing up with Kobbie Mainoo instead of Sofiyan Ambrat. Mainoo’s impressive composure and game awareness against Everton could earn him a place.
Marcus Rashford served a suspension against Galatasaray and might retain his starting spot over Antony alongside Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Meanwhile, upfront Rasmus Hojlund is set to start for the second consecutive fixture over Antony Martial.
Key Players
Anthony Gordon
The 22-year-old English forward is among the key players for Newcastle this season with 19 appearances in all competitions. The England U21 international has been involved in 9 goal contributions, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists so far. Gordon ranks as the Magpies’ third-highest goal scorer, boasting an impressive average of 2 goals per 90 minutes and a 1.92 assists rate.
Also read: Ifeanyi Mathew Could Be The Solution To Super Eagles’ Midfield Woes, According To Manu Garba
Bruno Fernandes
The club captain Bruno Fernandes is leading his side from the front. The Portuguese star scored a stunner in Istanbul midweek and had an excellent individual performance. Besides his consistency in the starting eleven with a 100% start in the league, he has regularly displayed consistent performance on the pitch as well. Currently being the club’s top performer of the season. After two successive solid performances, he aims for a third.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle Predicted lineup vs Man United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
Man United Predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
