In their recent Champions League matches, the Magpies experienced heartbreak with a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain, while the Red Devils squandered a 3-1 lead in a 3-3 draw with Galatasaray.
Newcastle had a bitter taste of VAR controversy in their 1-0 loss to Arsenal, a sentiment shared by Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta. In their PSG encounter, a questionable handball call against Tino Livramento led to a late penalty, denying Newcastle what could have been a historic European victory.
Despite the setback, Newcastle finds solace in their home ground, where they recently defeated 10-man Chelsea 4-1. Under manager Eddie Howe, the Magpies have won their last five Premier League home games, maintaining a strong record at St James' Park.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's recent Champions League collapse against Galatasaray raises concerns about their Group A prospects. A match against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich looms in December, and manager Erik ten Hag takes responsibility for the team's alarming performance.
Despite a 3-0 victory over Everton last weekend, marking their third consecutive Premier League win with clean sheets, Manchester United faces the challenge of overcoming their recent struggles against Newcastle. The Magpies have secured victories in their last two encounters, a 2-0 St James' Park defeat last season and a 3-0 Old Trafford loss in the EFL Cup.
As both teams prepare for this important clash, Newcastle has the opportunity to achieve three successive wins over Manchester United for the first time in 101 years. The outcome of this match will play a significant role in shaping their respective seasons.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Newcastle's treatment room is still crowded, leaving several academy talents to secure spots on the bench during the Champions League. Unfortunately, players like Sean Longstaff (ankle), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Joe Willock (Achilles), Matt Targett (thigh), Javier Manquillo (groin), Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (foot), Elliot Anderson (back), Callum Wilson (thigh), and Dan Burn (back) remain unavailable.Midfielder Sandro Tonali continues to serve his 10-month betting suspension. Still, Matt Ritchie and Emil Krafth will be back in the squad after being ineligible for the PSG match in the Champions League. With limited options, manager Eddie Howe is likely to stick with the same 11 starters from the Parc des Princes, including the 17-year-old talent Lewis Miley, who impressed in his midfield role.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's medical team is facing challenges too. Players like Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh), Jonny Evans (thigh), Christian Eriksen (knee), Amad Diallo (knee), and Tyrell Malacia (knee, post second operation) are still on the sidelines. Although Mason Mount (calf) is back in training, he might need more time to reach match fitness.
Jadon Sancho has been away from the first team for almost three months, but manager Erik ten Hag will have Marcus Rashford back from a Champions League suspension. Antony, who recently recovered from a knock, might find a place on the substitutes bench.
Following unsuccessful changes against Galatasaray, Ten Hag might return to a lineup resembling the one that easily defeated Everton. This would set the stage for a midfield clash between Kobbie Mainoo and his teenage counterpart Miley.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle United 3-2 Manchester United
A battered Manchester United side has already experienced the strength of the Magpies earlier this season. Despite showing improvement in scoring recently, Erik ten Hag's team still proves vulnerable to being easily exploited defensively. These weaknesses are ones that Newcastle should be eager to capitalize on come Saturday.
