Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday night in a crucial Premier League clash that could have significant implications for both teams' seasons.
The Red Devils are in a precarious position, having lost their last three matches in all competitions. Ruben Amorim's side now sit 14th in the Premier League table, having collected just 22 points from their first 18 matches of the campaign.
And they will go into this clash without their captain Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off in a 2-0 defeat to Wolves last time out.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are flying high in fifth place after a 3-0 demolition of Aston Villa on Boxing Day. Eddie Howe's men have won four consecutive league games and will be looking to extend their good form in the final Premier League game of 2024.
- NEWCASTLE TO LEAD AT HALF-TIME AND FULL-TIME
- ANTHONY GORDON ANYTIME GOALSCORER
- MAN UTD MOST BOOKING POINTS
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Magpies To Make A Fast Start
While Manchester United’s players appear to be struggling to adapt to Amorim’s formation and tactical approach, Newcastle are rediscovering their old form under Howe.
The Magpies were firing on all cylinders against Aston Villa and could easily have had six goals against Unai Emery’s men, who were put under the pump from the first minute to the last.
They jumped out into an early lead and never looked back, which has been the way they have been winning games recently.
Newcastle have scored the opening goal in five of their last six Premier League matches and they have been ahead inside 10 minutes in each of their last three games in all competitions.
The Magpies’ penchant for an early goal contrasts sharply with Manchester United’s slow starts under Amorim recently.
The Red Devils have not scored a goal before the 62nd minute in any of their last five games and may struggle to breach a Newcastle defence that has kept three straight Premier League clean sheets.
NEWCASTLE TO LEAD AT HALF-TIME AND FULL-TIME
Gordon Can Continue Hot Streak
England winger Anthony Gordon has been in excellent form of late, contributing two goals and three assists in his last six appearances for the high-flying Magpies.
He curled in a beauty against Villa on Thursday and looks a wise choice in anytime goalscorer betting for Monday’s clash given his recent record against Manchester United.
Gordon scored in both Premier League matches between the clubs last season and was also one of the architects of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Old Trafford early in that campaign.
He will be one of Newcastle’s chief dangermen in this game as the Magpies will look to exploit the absences of Fernandes and in-form Manuel Ugarte, who is also suspended, in the home side’s midfield.
ANTHONY GORDON ANYTIME GOALSCORER
Red Devils Could Be In A Mean Mood
United’s desperation to reverse a three-game losing streak may mean they adopt a more aggressive approach in this game, which could see them fall foul of the referee again.
The Red Devils have totted up more yellow and red cards than the Magpies this season.
And referee Simon Hooper has only taken the names of three Newcastle players during the two games featuring them that he has officiated this term, while booking nine men in opposition colours.
MAN UTD MOST BOOKING POINTS
