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Manchester United go into the weekend brimming with confidence on the back of a solid performance against the mighty Bayern Munich in midweek. Whereas Newcastle United, who sit eight points and two places below Manchester United, welcome them at St. James’ Park following consecutive defeats against Everton and Southampton, having failed to score in either of those matches.
When these two sides met at Old Trafford in December, Newcastle and United, both were in the contention for a place in Europe next season. But United reached new lows as they lost two consecutive home matches on the trot, first against Everton and then against Newcastle. It was Newcastle United’s first win at Old Trafford since 1972.
In a season where David Moyes has more often been on the wrong side of breaking records, he will have another one to take the blame for if United lose to Newcastle, as it would be the first time since the 1930-31 season (Division One) that Newcastle will do a double over Manchester United in a season.
Manchester United have often enjoyed playing at St. James’ Park in the recent past, losing only one of the last five games, and winning three of them. However, in a season of surprising results, Newcastle United have beaten Chelsea and drawn with Premier League leaders Liverpool at St James’s Park.
Newcastle United have failed to score in 10 of their last 14 Premier League games, which means they have a challenging task in their hands to overcome Manchester United. However, Newcastle have no reason to be diffident as, after going 18 Premier League games without a win against Manchester United (D5 L13), they have won two of the last four (W2 L2).
Injuries:
Injuries to their star players have not helped either side, as Elliot will be in goal for Newcastle United in the absence of the no. 1 Tim Krul, as he suffered a knee injury against Southampton last week. A keeper who has made some spectacular saves over the season, Krul’s absence will be deeply felt against the attack of Manchester United. The right-back, Mathieu Debuchy, is also set to miss the game with a groin injury. Midfielder Moussa Sissoko (thigh) and striker Loic Remy (ankle) are also unavailable.
United are without Robin van Persie leading the strike force as the striker has failed to recover from an injury that he suffered against the 3-0 Champions League win against Olympiakos at Old Trafford. With Alexander Buttner making way for Ashley Young against Bayern Munich during the final stages of the game, Evra is most certain to take his place at left-back. Also, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, who trained before the Bayern Munich game but didn’t feature in it, are also plausibly returning.
Form in the last six matches Source: www.premierleague.com
A 4-0 hammering at his former club Southampton last Saturday inflicted more woe on Pardew, who will have to watch from the stands once again as he continues to serve a touchline ban for headbutting Hull City midfielder, David Meyler.
After the two back-to-back defeats against Everton and Southampton, Newcastle will want to win against Manchester United to end their poor form and give the fans something to cheer at the end of the season. They have no reason to think otherwise as the fear factor of United has disappeared altogether under Moyes.
However, with Manchester United having the best away form in the league with 30 points out of a possible 48, it won’t be a cakewalk for Newcastle. Also, United have won all three of their last away games in the Premier League with a clean sheet in each of them.
United have a big game coming up on next Wednesday when they go to Bavaria for the second leg quarterfinal of the Champions League. If United can replicate their midweek display against Newcastle, they will cruise comfortably. They just have to make sure they don’t lose players through injuries in the weekend. Expect Moyes to field a second string side.
Probable lineups:
Manchester United
Newcastle United
