Manchester United and Newcastle United both enter this Saturday’s match after dismal midweek Champions League draws.
Newcastle were denied a famous away win at Paris Saint-Germain after conceding a last-minute penalty in a 1-1 draw, while Manchester United threw away a two-goal lead twice in a 3-3 draw at Galatasaray.
As a result, the Red Devils have only a 6% chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Newcastle has home advantage in this Premier League game and will be confident after defeating Manchester United in the Carabao Cup in late October. Last season, they also won easily at St. James Park.
Newcastle suffers a setback.
Newcastle’s preparations for the encounter have been hampered by the absence of both Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.
“Sean and Joe aren’t long-term injuries,” manager Eddie Howe said at his pre-match press conference, according to Newcastle World. We’re hoping to get them back. Because of the number of games, two or three weeks at this point seem like an eternity.
Willock scored in Newcastle’s victory over Manchester United, and Longstaff also started that game.
Newcastle will also be without injured stars Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, and Sandro Tonali, who is serving a long-term suspension.
Manchester United also has injuries, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Jonny Evans all out.
Manchester United has the opportunity to move ahead.
Manchester United is sixth in the Premier League following a strong run of form. However, this includes victories over teams in the bottom half of the table.
This is an opportunity for Erik ten Hag’s club to make a statement and win away against a major Premier League opponent for the first time since he took over.
The Red Devils lead seventh-placed Newcstle by one point and may increase that lead to four with a win.
A win moves Manchester United into fifth position, at least momentarily, overtaking Tottenham, who play Manchester City on Sunday.
