Explainers

MANCHESTER UNITED host Newcastle in a mammoth Premier League battle for a European spot.The Red Devils have had a league campaign to forget – breaking all sorts of unwanted records such as most goals conceded since 1970/71.Manchester United lost to bitter rivals ArsenalCredit: GettyNewcastle have already beaten United twice this seasonCredit: GettyAnd Erik ten Hag’s side hit another bump in the road last Sunday having lost to bitter rivals Arsenal courtesy of a first-half Leandro Trossard strike.However, Newcastle haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders and their 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend was another example of this.The Magpies have already beaten United twice this season, including a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in December.That win followed a 3-0 away triumph at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup a month earlier.Read more on Man UtdSo with all that being said, it is set up to be an unpredictable match and SunSport can provide fans with all the information around the encounter below.What is their form like?United are winless in three following their loss to Arsenal, with the run also including a 4-0 thrashing by Crystal Palace.The Red Devils have lost just one of their 28 home Premier League meetings with Newcastle, though.They have also suffered just one defeat in their final home league match across the last 16 seasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, United have already been beaten nine times at Old Trafford across all competitions this season and have never lost 10 in a single campaign.Newcastle are on a three-match winning run against United as well as losing just one of their last eight matches.Erik ten Hag in baffling tactical tweak as eight Man Utd stars appear to be asked to stop one Arsenal player, Ten Hag presser, Man Utd v. ArsenalOf those fixtures, Eddie Howe’s side have won five times including comfortable victories over Burnley, Tottenham and Sheffield United.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Amad Diallo is a doubt after suffering a knock against Arsenal, whilst Mason Mount missed the match through injury.Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are currently being assessed and could return along with Anthony Martial and Lisandro Martinez.Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain ruled out.Amad Diallo picked up a knock against Arsenal on SundayCredit: AFPNewcastle’s injury concerns have eased in recent months but Howe remains without long-term absentees Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.He could welcome back Fabian Schar from a thigh injury, though.Callum Wilson also missed the draw with Brighton due to a tight hamstring but could feature at Old Trafford.Who will be the star men?Kobbie Mainoo has been a rare bright spark for United this season after establishing himself in Ten Hag’s starting line-up.The midfielder has scored three goals in 29 appearances since returning from an ankle injury in November.He also made his England debut against Brazil in March before a man of the match display against Belgium.Just two players have scored more than Alexander Isak in the Premier League this season.The Sweden international’s 20 goals in 28 appearances has only been bettered by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer.Isak is in fine form, with 10 goals in 11 matches since coming back from a groin injury in February.However, the 24-year-old has yet to score in five previous meetings with United for Newcastle and Real Sociedad.What have the managers said?On his defensive injuries, Ten Hag said on Sunday: “We’ve talked all season about this. To have a backline who play together regularly and have routines is obviously better.”You need players who have confidence to play there, we have players playing in positions who are not used to them and then you make mistakes.”At a high level you are punished. Or you have to play players who are not fit. That’s the situation we are in.”Howe praised the Newcastle fans after the clash with Brighton, explaining: “Without a doubt the scene, the environment created by the supporters [has contributed to good home record].”Even when Brighton scored they got right behind the team but we just couldn’t find that winning goal. They have made this place a really difficult place to play. This season the crowd have taken it to another level.”SunSport predictionUnited’s poor season is at risk of getting worse before the campaign ends as Newcastle look to pile on more misery.The Toon Army remain in control of their European destiny and are hopeful of Europa League qualification for next term.SunSport prediction – 1-3When is Man Utd vs Newcastle?
Manchester United and Newcastle lock horns in a mouthwatering Premier League encounter on Wednesday, May 15.
It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST.
Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 74,000 fans.
Anthony Gordon’s strike helped the Magpies secure a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Manchester United vs Newcastle will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Coverage is expected to commence from 7:30pm BST on both channels – 30 mins before kick-off.
Fans can stream the action on NOW TV through any tablet device or mobile.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action of the whole match.
What is the team news?Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be hoping several key stars will return who missed out on the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.Mason Mount (muscle), Bruno Fernandes (unknown), Marcus Rashford (muscle), Harry Maguire (muscle), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle) Lisandro Martinez (calf), Tyrrell Malacia (knee), Anthony Martial (groin) and Raphael Varane (unknown) were all unavailable.Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount were unavailable for the Arsenal clash despite returning to trainingCredit: GettyWhile Amad Diallo was forced off early with a knee issue.Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has also been struck with a lengthy list of injuries.Callum Wilson (thigh), Fabian Schar (hamstring), Lewis Miley (back), Joe Willock (ankle), Jamaal Lascelles (cruciate ligament), Matt Targett (achilies), Sven Botman (knee) are all likely to miss the trip to Old Trafford.And Sandro Tonali continues to serve his suspension for breaching betting rules.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the odds?
Man Utd to win 13/10
Draw 3/1
Newcastle to win 6/5
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

CHELSEA’S recent run of form has put them right in the mix for a Europa League spot – but relegation-battling Nottingham Forest have their own objectives.Goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson inspired the Blues to a 2-0 win against bitter rivals Tottenham at the beginning of the month.Nicolas Jackson has scored three goals in his last two matches for ChelseaCredit: APNottingham Forest pulled off a big win against Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyAnd Mauricio Pochettino’s side followed that up with a 5-0 hammering over West Ham just three days later.As a result, Chelsea find themselves just three points behind 6th-placed Newcastle going into the weekend.However, the Blues now come up against a Forest side who not only fighting for survival.But they go into this match fresh from a huge 3-1 away win at already-relegated Sheffield United.Read more on ChelseaWhen is Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea?
Nottingham Forest welcome Chelsea to their home ground on Saturday, May 11.
It is scheduled to kick off at 5:30pm BST.
The City Ground is the allocated arena for this Premier League match and it can host approximately 30,445 passionate fans.
Anthony Elanga’s 48th minute strike earned Forest a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Coverage is expected to commence from 5pm BST on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
Fans can stream the entire action on NOW TV through a mobile or any chosen tablet device.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of this crucial match through our live blog.
What is the team news?Nuno Espirito Santo’s only concern ahead of this huge Chelsea clash regards Neco Williams who has been sidelined due to a hamstring strain.Enzo Fernandez will not be available again for Chelsea until next seasonCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezWhile Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be without several key names once again.Most read in FootballEnzo Fernandez (hernia), Ben Chilwell (knee), Reece James (hamstring), Robert Sanchez (muscle), Wesley Fofana (cruciate ligament), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (muscle) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) could all miss the Forest trip.What are the odds?
Nottingham Forest to win 13/5
Draw 14/5
Chelsea to win 10/11
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

MANCHESTER UNITED will do everything in their power to stop Arsenal from winning the Premier League title – and just avoiding defeat on Sunday could be enough.However, this is easier said than done based on the Red Devils’ recent performances.Manchester United got embarrassed by Crystal PalaceCredit: ReutersLeandro Trossard and Declan Rice were both on the scoresheet against BournemouthCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Burnley almost a fortnight ago.Then things went from bad to worse last Monday as they were on the wrong end of a 4-0 battering courtesy of Crystal Palace.Meanwhile, their arch-nemesis Arsenal have been in phenomenal form this calendar year – securing 42 out of 46 points and most recently thrashing in-form Bournemouth 3-0.But one slip-up for the Gunners could see them hand the title to Manchester City and United will be well aware of that.Read more on Man Utd When is Man Utd vs Arsenal?
Manchester United’s crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal will take place on Sunday, May 12.
It is scheduled to kick off at 4:30pm BST.
Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 74,310 passionate fans.
Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus earned the Gunners all three points in the dramatic reverse fixture earlier this season.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Manchester United vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Coverage is expected to commence from 3:30pm BST on Sky Sports Premier League – a whole hour before kick-off.
Fans can stream the entire action on NOW TV through a mobile or any chosen tablet device.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of this mammoth match through our live blog.
What is the team news?Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping to have several key names back following the torrid trip to Selhurst Park which saw him field Casemiro in defence.Casemiro had a torrid time in defence against Crystal PalaceCredit: AlamyScott McTominay (knee), Marcus Rashford (muscle), Willy Kambwala (knock), Harry Maguire (muscle), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle) all missed out on the Palace pummeling.Most read in FootballWhile Lisandro Martinez (calf), Tyrrell Malacia (knee), Anthony Martial (groin), Raphael Varane (muscle) and Bruno Fernandes (muscle) were also unavailable for the 4-0 defeat.Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta had a fully fit squad to get over the line against Bournemouth last weekend.But there have been doubts regarding Takehiro Tomiyasu who is yet to train with the first team this week. What are the odds?
Man Utd to win 6/1
Draw 4/1
Arsenal to win 4/11
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More