Newcastle United vs Manchester United
Newcastle United are in the middle of their best season ever. They just won the EFL Cup – their first domestic trophy in over seven decades – and they’re keen to follow it up with qualification for the Champions League next season.
The Magpies are fifth in the Premier League table with 53 points, level with fourth-seeded Chelsea. If they beat Manchester United this Sunday at St. James Park and certain Premier League 2025 results fall their way, they might return to the top four. Eddie Howe’s men are in fine form, winning their last four matches across all competitions.
Manchester United are 13th in the English top-flight standings with 38 points, and their recent results are mixed. After a drab goalless draw against Manchester City, the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw against Lyon last night in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-finals tie.
Talking Points
Two crucial absentees for Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon has been one of Newcastle United’s most important players this season. The English international is the team’s third-leading scorer with six league goals and five assists.
However, he hasn’t played much football in the last month. Gordon had to serve his three-match suspension after receiving a red card during their FA Cup fifth-round loss against Brighton (2-1). The 24-year-old winger also hurt his thigh during the March international break while playing for England during their 2-0 victory against Albania.
Manager Eddie Howe admitted he has “no idea” when his star forward will return to the pitch. In the meantime, Harvey Barnes should continue to take Gordon’s spot in the starting XI. Barnes went three months without starting a Premier League match before the EFL Cup final but has become increasingly influential in the last few matches.
Furthermore, Newcastle United will also miss the services of Joe Willock, who’s still under the Premier League’s concussion protocol. The midfielder came off the bench and suffered a head injury in the closing stages of last week’s 2-1 win over Brentford.
Onana under fire at Manchester United
Andre Onana was labeled “one of the worst goalkeepers” in Manchester United history by former Red Devils player Nemanja Matic, and Matic was proven right last night.
The Cameroonian goalie was at fault for Lyon’s goals in his side’s 2-2 draw in the Europa League quarter-finals. Onana couldn’t keep out Thiago Almada’s looping free-kick in the 25th minute and couldn’t clear the ball after a save in stoppage time, gifting Rayan Cherki the late equaliser.
Since the start of last season, Onana has made eight errors leading to goals in all competitions, the most by any goalkeeper playing for a Premier League side.
Manager Ruben Amorim defended Onana after the first leg at Lyon, so he’s likely to stick with him against Newcastle United. Manchester United also hope Matthijs de Ligt (foot) – who was ruled out yesterday – is fit enough to feature in the matchday squad this Sunday.
History
Newcastle United are looking to complete a league double over Manchester United for the first time since 1930-31, a season the Magpies finished 17th and the Red Devils were 22nd in the standings.
The Magpies recorded a 2-0 victory against the Red Devils at Old Trafford last December, as Alexander Isak and Joelinton scored in the first half. It was Newcastle United’s second league win at Old Trafford since 1972.
The Magpies have won four of their last five games against the Red Devils in all competitions (L1), which is as many as they had in their previous 41 (D9, L28).
Manchester United have lost their last two away games against Newcastle United. They last lost three consecutive visits to St. James Park between 1969 and 1970.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP Premier League 2025 odds back the Magpies to complete their season sweep of the Red Devils this weekend. Newcastle United are 1.66 favourites to win, whereas Manchester United are 4.36 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.72 in the 1X2 market.
Football fans shouldn’t expect too many goals from this contest since the visitors have been far from clinical in the final third this season. Two goals are enough for the Magpies to get the three points, and bettors can also go for Total Goals 2-3 at 2.06, Under 3.25 at 1.64, Under 3.00 at 1.83, and Under 2.75 at 2.08 as alternatives. Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of Newcastle United – the result of the reverse fixture – has a decent 8.60 offer.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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