Newcastle United vs Manchester United

St James’ Park forms the backdrop for a high-stakes Premier League contest between fifth-placed Newcastle United and third-placed Manchester United.

With only three points separating these teams ahead of the kick-off, this clash has all the makings of a ‘top-four six-pointer.’ Seeking a first top-four finish in the Premier League in over 20 years, Newcastle United head into proceedings on the back of two consecutive 2-1 league wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest, looking to make it three top-flight triumphs in a row for the first time in 2023. Despite going winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Man Utd (D2, L4), including a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, the ‘Magpies’ will relish their chances of bucking that trend, inspired by a stellar home form. Indeed, Eddie Howe’s men have only lost one home match in the Premier League this term (W7, D5), conceding a league-second joint-low nine goals in the process.

On the other hand, visiting Manchester United pulled off a late comeback to overcome Fulham 3-1 in a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final tie last time out, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to four games (W3, D1). However, Erik ten Hag’s men could only manage a tepid scoreless home draw against basement boys Southampton in their most recent Premier League outing and have now won just two of their last five in the top-flight (D2, L1). Moreover, Man Utd’s travel sickness is another issue the ‘Red Devils’ must address to bolster their top-four hopes after going winless in three of their last four away league matches (D1, L2). Since both defeats in that run came against sides starting this round in the upper half of the table, the signs are ominous for the League Cup winners.