Newcastle v Manchester United: Match Preview, Team News & Prediction

After three PL home defeats in succession and only one PL win in our last six games we face a Manchester United side in top form since Michael Carrick took charge.

Match Preview

This is the first of three home games that will test Newcastle to the limit.

Manchester United in the PL, Manchester City in the FA Cup, and Barcelona in the Champions League.

On current form, three wins would be bordering on miraculous, three defeats not wholly unexpected. But, this is Newcastle United, and at SJP anything is still possible.

Man U will be a tough start.

After the disastrous reign of Rueben Amorin they have gained a remarkable 19 points from a possible 21 since January 17 under Wallsend born Michael Carrick.

That run of points has propelled them into third place and a Champions League spot, something that would have been laughed at earlier in the season.

Benjamin Sesko is another example of one not to be laughed at any more - our former target got off to a very slow start to the season but now has seven goals from his last eight appearances in all competitions.

Another former target, Bryan Mbuemo, settled in from the start and has scored 10 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.

The Toon have a good recent record at St James' Park against Manchester United having won three and drawn one of our last four meetings.

We'll need to perform on another level to the one against Everton to maintain that undefeated record.

Team News

Ramsey should be available after sickness, but Woltemade is a doubt, and it looks too early for Livramento to make a comeback.

Fit or not, I'm not expecting Woltemade to start and I believe Eddie needs to give Wissa a run of games to give him a chance to show his mettle.

It would be ironic if he outshone his former teammate Mbuemo, got on the scoresheet, and helped us to another victory over a team we just love to beat.

For Man U, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are both doubts but Mount Mount may return and make the bench.

Match Prediction

The bookies are cooking on gas with my usual fivers lighting the flame.

It's a toss up who was seen last; Lord Lucan, or me walking out of the bookies having collected a winning bet.

We have to win again at SJP in the PL at some time and there aren't many teams we love to beat more than the Mancs in red.

I predicted a tight 1-0 win against Everton and it ended up a five goal game in the Toffees favour. Chew on that.

I'll give the bookies another laugh, and more gas to cook on, by going for a 2-1 win.

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Pre-Match Posts: For previous match previews, tactical analysis, predicted XIs, team news and match predictions, visit our Newcastle United Match Previews & Tactical Analysis | nufc blog hub