Explainers

AFTER what seems like an age, Manchester United are back in action as they head to Newcastle in the Premier League.The Red Devils have not played in the Premier League for over two weeks, following their 1-0 win over Norwich on December 11, following an outbreak of Covid-19 at Carrington.
Ralf Rangnick’s side have not played for two weeks because of a Covid outbreak in their campCredit: Rex
But Ralf Rangnick’s side can now lace up their boots as they take on Eddie Howe’s relegation-threatened Magpies.
After lot of positive tests over the last fortnight among his staff, the German defended his club’s vaccination record.
He said: “The Premier League will try everything to keep the league safe, to keep the situation around the players safe.
“We do that regularly and encourage players to behave in a disciplined way with regards to contacts.
“We also need to make sure we have most of the players vaccinated. I know we have a high record of vaccinated players in our club.
“The past two weeks shows that even if you have been vaccinated two or three times you can still be catching the virus, especially the new virus.
“At least you are being protected from severe symptoms, and most of our players who tested positive had very weak symptoms and didn’t suffer.”
Either way both sides can kick back and watch the Boxing Day matches unfold before playing their own match the following day.
When is Newcastle vs Manchester United?

The Premier League match is Monday, December 27.
Kick off is at 8pm.
The match is being held at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

What TV channel is Newcastle vs Manchester United on and can I live stream it?
The Monday Night Football clash will be aired on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
Coverage starts at 7pm on Premier League and 7.30pm on Main Event.
To stream, grab the Sky Go app if you’re a Sky subscriber.
Non-subscribers can watch by purchasing a NOW TV pass from £9.99 to stream on a number of devices including laptops, tablets, mobiles and smart TVs.
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What is the team news?
Rangnick is hoping to welcome Raphael Varane back to the United squad after the Frenchman missed the last eight games.
Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan Bissaka are also doubts, giving the club a minor injury headache in defence.
Paul Pogba is still out but reaching full fitness, while Nemanja Matic remains a doubt.
Anthony Martial is still out with a muscle problem while Edinson Cavani is nearing full fitness after spending time in Uruguay to nurse a tendon problem.
Eddie Howe’s squad are in relatively decent shape going into the Christmas period.
Federico Fernandez and Jamal Lewis are his only two players in doubt for the match.
What are the odds?

Newcastle win 11/2
Draw 7/2
Manchester United victory 4/9

Odds courtesy of Betfair correct at time of publication More

ARSENAL head to East Anglia as they take on strugglers Norwich in the Premier League.The Gunners have been in excellent form under Mikel Arteta this season and are up into fourth place and a potential Champions League spot.
Norwich are looking to cause an upset against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
Alexandre Lacazette has taken up a central role following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s removal as captainCredit: Reuters
Norwich have improved slightly under Dean Smith but still sit bottom of the table with three defeats and no goals scored in their past three games.
In their last fixture they were edged out 1-0 at home to Man Utd.
Ahead of this match, Arteta has stated his hope that the Premier League will not be forced behind closed doors again due to the Omicron variant.
He said: “Please don’t go back to that stage. We have experienced that and it is something that we don’t like, so hopefully it is not what happens.
“It’s a different sport and football is all about sharing it with people, and having fans around the stadiums.
“When it is not, it’s a completely different sport and the competition gets, I don’t know, lost. It’s not the same.
“We will play like we have to play. What I am saying is that obviously nobody wants to go back to where we were because we have already experienced it – and it is not something we enjoyed a lot.
“But if we have to carry on doing that, of course we will.”
What time does Norwich vs Arsenal kick off?

Norwich host Arsenal on Sunday, December 26.
The match kicks off at 3pm UK time.
It will be played at Carrow Road.
The sides last met in September when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal to secure Arsenal’s first win of the season.

What TV channel is Norwich vs Arsenal on and can I live stream it?

Unfortunately, Norwich vs Arsenal is not live on UK television, as Uefa’s blackout rules still apply even on Boxing Day.
NBCSN has the rights to the Premier League in the United States.
To stream the game live, US viewers can head to FuboTV.

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Team news
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will continue to be frozen out for the trip to Norwich, barring a change of heart from boss Mikel Arteta.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in contention for the Boxing Day clash after hobbling off in the 4-1 win at Leeds last week.
Albert Sambi Lokonga is still missing for the Gunners, due to an illness, which is the same for Pablo Mari.
Saed Kolasinac is out long term with an ongoing ankle problem.
For the Canaries, Mathias Normann is in contention to play after an abdominal strain, Grant Hanley is out with a shoulder issue.
Josh Sargent, Pierre Lees Melou, Christos Tzolis and Lukas Rupp are all absent with illness.
Milot Raschia, Andrew Omobamidele and Christopher Zimmerman are also out.
Latest odds
Norwich 13/2
Draw 18/5
Arsenal 4/11
*Odds from Betfair correct as of Thursday, December 23 More