Manchester United vs Newcastle United

Old Trafford is the venue as Manchester United and Newcastle United go head-to-head in a top-six Premier League six-pointer.

Back to domestic action following a late 1-0 home win over Omonia Nicosia in midweek Champions League action, Manchester United continue their Premier League top-four charge against familiar foes. The ‘Red Devils’ have suffered just one defeat in their last 37 home league clashes against Newcastle (W27, D9), suggesting they are in a prime position to build on a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Everton last time out. Despite experiencing a mixed eight-game start to his Premier League career as a manager (W5, L3), Erik ten Hag can draw confidence from his side’s imperious form at Old Trafford. Man Utd have only lost once in their last 12 home outings in the Premier League (W7, D4), while they could win three consecutive top-flight home matches for the first time since December 2021.

In the meantime, visiting Newcastle United have hit a purple patch of form following a frustrating run of six successive winless league games (D5, L1), winning their last two Premier League fixtures by 4+ goals ‘to one.’ Eddie Howe’s side netted nine goals in two top-flight triumphs preceding this road trip, exceeding an underwhelming tally of eight goals bagged across their opening seven Premier League matches this term. Though it looks like a long shot, replicating another free-scoring performance would see Newcastle score 4+ goals in three consecutive league outings for the first time since 1961. But there’s a reason for optimism in the visiting camp following a 4-1 demolition of Fulham on their most recent Premier League travel that helped them end a three-game winless away league start (D2, L1).