MATCH PREVIEW - MANCHESTER UNITED VS NEWCASTLE UNITED

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Who will stand between the sticks when Manchester United face Newcastle? [Image Courtesy of United In Focus]
Who will stand between the sticks when Manchester United face Newcastle?
[Image Courtesy of United In Focus]

TRIVIA

Venue - Old Trafford, Greater Manchester
Kick-off - Sunday, February 21, 19:00 GMT
                                                    00:30 IST
MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Paul Tierney
Assistants: Lee Betts & Neil Davies
Fourth official: Lee Mason
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Assistant VAR: Adrian Holmes

Manchester United return to Premier League action after kicking off their Europa League campaign in some style. The Red Devils travelled to Turin for the first leg of their Round of 32 tie against Real Sociedad. The away side presented La Reale with a 4-0 humbling and virtually booked their place in the Round of 16. Although, this uplifting performance came after a dismal week in the Premier League that saw Manchester City sitting at the top, 10 pts clear of Manchester United. The Red Devils agonisingly drew 3-3 to Everton before ceding further ground in the title race with a lacklustre performance against lowly West Brom.

While Manchester United have had their own share of problems, The Magpies haven't been doing great either. Newcastle have won just 7 pts from the last 10 games, sitting just 3 pts above the relegation zone. On top of that, The Red Devils boast of a great head-to-head record against Newcastle, having won four of their last five PL games against Newcastle, winning the last two with a 4-1 scoreline.

TEAM NEWS

Cavani and Van de Beek uncertain to be fit
Cavani and Van de Beek uncertain to be fit
[Image Courtesy of MEN]

Paul Pogba has been ruled out of any football through a thigh injury for the month of February, and the manager confirms it. Phil Jones remains sidelined. Solskjaer is uncertain of the fitness of Cavani and Van de Beek as they didn't travel to Turin due to training injuries. This could create spaces for 2 new faces on the Manchester United bench - Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire.

Newcastle are without top scorer, Callum Wilson, and defenders, Fabian Schar and Javier Manquillo. Federico Fernandez remains sidelined for the Magpies, although Jeff Hendrick makes a return from suspension.

PREDICTED LINEUP

We saw McTominay coming off in the game against Real Sociedad with some discomfort and hence, Solskjaer might not be able to play his beloved McFred double pivot. This would allow Matic to come into the side, allowing Fred to venture further forward. Cavani is still a doubt for the match and Martial is expected to be leading the line again. The Frenchman will be hungry to make an impact after being reduced to a bench role in recent games. Bailly needs a run of games and becomes Maguire's partner for the rest of the season.

Predicted Lineup
Predicted Lineup

PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR

Callum Wilson was to provide the biggest threat from the Magpies. Thankfully, he's out of the tie. Although, mercurial winger Allan Saint-Maximin has returned after being affected by Covid. Joe Willock has put in consistent performances since his arrival from Arsenal.

The Red Devils inspiration has been only one person since his arrival from Portugal - Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker crossed Paul Scholes' record tally of 20 goals in a season as a midfielder when he scored a brace against Real Sociedad midweek. He has seemed to be a bit off in recent weeks but showed exactly what he can offer in the 4-0 drubbing of Sociedad.

Bruno Fernandes - Always the player to look out for

VERDICT

Although the Red Devils have struggled a bit in recent weeks, this is a game everyone expects us to win. Solskjaer denied conceding the title race to City so easily and indirectly called out his players to stop Guardiola from running away with the title.

Scoreline Prediction

Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle

Location: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA, UK

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