Manchester United vs Newcastle United Match Preview: Kick-off Time, Team News, Predicted line-up and Score Prediction

Manchester United are back at Old Trafford for the final time this season, where Newcastle United are the visitors in what is a huge game for both sides in the race for the European places.
As Erik ten Hag’s job currently remains in the balance, the club is in must-win territory and he will be looking to boost the spirits within his squad with this being the penultimate game of the Premier League season, a win for either side will stand them in good stead heading into the final game of the season.
The Red Devils and the Magpies have faced similar seasons this season, both headed out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stages and with high expectations for a top-four finish, neither side have been able to fulfil those ambitions.
Both sides will still be as motivated as ever for this clash, however, as a Newcastle victory would almost certainly confirm European qualification and a finish above Manchester United for the first time in the Premier League era. On the other hand, a United win would boost hopes of a European place as they also have to better Chelsea’s final two results as the goal difference adds huge significance to United’s problems. A win would also boost hopes for United and their ambitions heading into the FA Cup final in just over a week’s time.
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time
TV Channel: Sky Sports Premier League
How do Manchester United look?
Embed from Getty ImagesWith United being winless in their last three Premier League matches, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Ten Hag were to make multiple changes to his starting XI, with a few players beginning to return from injury, ten Hag can experiment any improvements to his squad, ahead of the FA Cup final as well.
With Ten Hag announcing Lisandro Martinez is set to make a return to the squad, other centre backs including Raphael Varane remain absent whilst a late call will be made on Willy Kambwala as to whether he can make the squad or not; still meaning United are short in the central defence area of the pitch.
Other players such as Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes also remain doubtful and late fitness calls will also be made on them to assess whether Newcastle will be too early for them to return or not.
Predicted line-up
Once again, United will most likely line up in their typical 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ten Hag using the following players:
Embed from Getty ImagesAndre Onana (GK), Diogo Dalot (RB), Casemiro (CB), Jonny Evans (CB), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (LB), Kobbie Mainoo (CDM), Sofyan Amrabat (CDM), Scott McTominay (CM), Alejandro Garnacho (LW), Antony (RW), Rasmus Hojlund (ST).
Opposition
Embed from Getty ImagesNewcastle come into this one off the back of a decent run of form. The Magpies are unbeaten in their last three league matches (W2, D1) scoring 10 goals and conceding just 3 in the process.
The Geordies currently occupy 6th place in the league table with a total of 57 points (just 3 more than United on 54), and so a victory for either side will be hugely important heading into the final match of the regular season this weekend.
Manager Eddie Howe is still unsure as to whether he will be with or without his two top strikers after both have been recently facing illnesses. Top scorer Alexander Isak started the 1-1 draw with Brighton at the weekend but remains a doubt heading into the clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Ky defender Fabian Schar is close to making his comeback whilst England international Kieran Trippier is set to return to the starting XI after being on the bench on Saturday.
Key Stats
Manchester United have lost just one of their 28 Premier League home games against Newcastle (W18, D9).
Manchester United have lost 9 matches at Old Trafford this season; they have never had 10 home defeats in a single season in their history.
Newcastle United have already beaten Manchester United twice this season, including a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup.
Newcastle have also won each of their last three meetings with Manchester United, as many as they had managed in their previous 21 (D4, L14).
Prediction
Overall, after a few disappointing displays in their last few matches, I still believe that United, with the help of the Old Trafford roar, will edge them to victory with a 2-1 win. I can see the game having many chances for both sides, but the Red Devils being the more clinical of the two.