Manchester United return home after the international break looking to find their feet again after just one win in their last four games. They welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford, who have been very inconsistent so far this season and would love to find some consistency before we head into the busy Christmas period. They won’t fancy their chances against United I am sure, but will head there in hope that they can spring what would be a huge surprise.
This should be a comfortable evening for Jose Mourinho’s men, but there is also a little pressure on them because of their recent run. They will be looking to rediscover their early season form over the next few weeks, in the hope of moving closer to Manchester City if they slip up.
English Premier League – Old Trafford – Saturday 18th November 2017 – 17:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5 at Unibet |
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Manchester United
NewcastleManchester United Form
At the start of the season, Manchester United looked like they would set the early pace in the Premier League, until Manchester City eventually pulled away from them. United have four pints from their last four games, compared to the 12 that Manchester City have picked up and so far that is the difference. If they want to catch up to City, they simply have to come back after the break and start winning games. With Newcastle, Watford and Brighton to come this month, they have the ideal opportunity to do so, and should go into those games full of confidence.
Despite their recent poor run, United have managed to keep together their extremely good defensive record intact. They have conceded just five goals from their opening 11 games and that is something that Newcastle are going to really struggle against. Last season United were in similarly good defensive form, but played a little too defensive, this season after scoring 23 goals it looks like they have got their setup just right and that always makes them dangerous.
Newcastle Form
Newcastle at their best could realistically challenge for a top half finish, despite this being their first year back in the Premier League. However, Newcastle at their worst could find themselves in a relegation fight, such is the difference and they will be looking at trying to find some consistent middle ground over the next few weeks.
The one area they have struggled to get right is goal scoring and with just ten goals from 11 games it is easy to work out that when they don’t score, they are at their worst and losing games. When they do score they seem to play with a little extra confidence, and more flair and creativity, which helps them open up and express themselves a little more, something we need to see more of. I think Newcastle will survive, and they could finish mid-table, but they have to sort out their consistency issues, although away at Old Trafford is probably not the easiest place to start doing that.
Team News
Romelu Lukaku was brought in to be the saviour of Manchester United and got off to a great start with them. However, no goals in his last seven games have started to get fans worrying about him and the next three games against lower opposition are vital for him. Lukaku needs to get on the scoresheet and a home game against Newcastle will give him a great chance to do so. While he also has to perform against the bigger clubs, just getting on the scoresheet is the priority for now.
Instead of looking to one man to help with their goal scoring problems, Newcastle will be looking to a group of players collectively. Dwight Gayle, Christian Atsu and Joselu all had great chances to score in their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth prior to the international break and those three are key to Newcastle’s goal scoring chances, they must do better.
Top Betting Tips
There is no doubt that this is going to be an extremely tough game for Newcastle, and one that Manchester United can win. United will be looking to get back on track, they have a friendly schedule coming up and need to get maximum points from those three games in the hope that Manchester City slip up.
I am going to back a correct score in the game, and the score I am backing is 2-0 to Manchester United, which is a best price of 5/1 with William Hill. United have the attacking strength to break down Newcastle, and I can’t see a way past United for this Newcastle attack.