MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle face off in a thrilling Premier League encounter on Tyneside – and both sides will be desparate to put their midweek troubles in the past.
The Magpies were robbed of a sensational win in Paris when Kylian Mbappe’s controversial late penalty forced them to share a point with PSG.
And as a result, Eddie Howe’s men have to depend on other results going their way to seal Champions League last-16 qualification.
Meanwhile, United’s European hopes hang by a thread after throwing away a two-goal lead against Galatasaray only to draw 3-3.
To stand any chance of earning a knockout spot, Erik ten Hag’s side would have to beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz on matchday six.
However, all attention now switches to the Premier League and both clubs will be determined to build on their emphatic wins last weekend.
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What is the team news?
Both managers have an extremely lengthy injury list ahead of this crucial clash.
Defender Dan Burn is still absent with a back injury, while Sven Botman remains sidelined with a knee issue.
Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson are both still recovering from their respective injuries and are not expected to return until the Christmas period.
Sean Longstaff could potentially make a return to face Man Utd on Saturday.
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Joe Willock’s return date from his Achilles injury is still yet to be determined, while Jacob Murphy and Matt Targett are set to be sidelined until the new year.
Sandro Tonali continues to be ruled out due to his suspension for betting offences.
For Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from a foot injury so he will not be available.
Casemiro was forced off with a hamstring injury when United faced Newcastle in the Carabao Cup last month and is yet to return.
Jonny Evans picked up a thigh injury against Copenhagen before the international break and is unlikely to be ready in time for Saturday’s match.
Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount are also sidelined due to injury, as well as Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia.
Jadon Sancho has still been banished from the first team following his fall-out with Erik ten Hag.
What is their form like?
Both teams head into the game off the back of disappointing results in the Champions League, with Newcastle failing to beat PSG and Man Utd squandering a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Galatasaray.
However, the Magpies stunned Chelsea 4-1 in their most recent Premier League game which will give them confidence when they host United.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have won each of their last three Prem games while also keeping three clean sheets.
Who will be the star players?
Alexander Isak returned from a groin injury to face Chelsea last week and opened the scoring within the opening 13 minutes.
The striker also scored a crucial goal for Newcastle against PSG on Tuesday, so he will arguably be the Magpies’ biggest threat.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is in fantastic form for Man Utd.
The 19-year-old scored the goal of the season so far when he fired a bicycle kick into the top-right corner against Everton last week.
He also scored for the Red Devils against Galatasaray on Wednesday, so Newcastle will have to keep a close eye on him at the weekend.
What has been said?
Discussing how he and his team plan to get over Tuesday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with PSG, Howe said: “I think we have to look that we’re still in the competition.
“The first thing to do is look a that because it could have been different tonight, so that game now is going to take on huge significance for lots of different reasons.
“We’re back at home and we’re excited about the game when it comes around, so they’re huge positives for us, so that’s why I don’t think we should lose sight of that despite the disappointing ending.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag admitted that he is responsible for Man Utd failing to win against Galatasaray.
He told TNT Sports: “I am responsible for this. We know we are in a project. We are making improvements, so that’s very hopeful.
“We are going in the right direction so I know we will be successful in the long-term, but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games.
“We were winning and then we’re losing it. We should have taken three points, that’s clear. We did this in other games. I was pleased with how we played but at the same time I have to criticise the team because the defending is not good enough.”
When is Newcastle vs Man Utd?
- Newcastle’s mouthwatering match against Manchester United will take place on Saturday, December 2.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT.
- St James’ Park is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 52,000 spectators.
- The Magpies thrashed United in a Carabao Cup last-16 match when the sides last met at the beginning of November.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Newcastle vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK
- Coverage is scheduled to commence from 7pm GMT – a whole hour before kick-off.
- Fans can head to discovery+ to stream the entire action.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the Premier League encounter through our live blog.
SunSport’s prediction
It won’t be an easy game for either team, but the atmosphere at St James’ Park could give Newcastle the boost they need to win.
Newcastle 2-1 Man Utd
What are the latest odds?
- Newcastle to win 10/11
- Draw 13/5
- Man Utd to win 11/4
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*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
