Man Utd vs Newcastle Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Prediction & Betting Tips

Manchester United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when they take on Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. 

United saw their six-game winning streak ended by a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon so Louis van Gaal will be keen to get back to winning ways to keep alive their slim hopes of mounting a late title challenge.

The impressive run has seen the former champions move up to third in the Premier League table but they are still 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea so the Red Devils will be looking to close the gap over the festive period.

Newcastle arrive at Old Trafford having undone all their positive work in November after losing their last three games against Arsenal, Tottenham and most recently, Sunderland, so Alan Pardew will be desperate to get something from tomorrow’s game.

Team news

United will give Chris Smalling until the last minute to prove his fitness as he looks to overcome a groin problem.

Angel Di Maria is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury but he may be eased back into action meaning he may have to make-do with a place on the bench.

Daley Blind is back in training but this game comes too soon so he’ll join Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Marouane Fellaini on the sidelines.

Newcastle will have to make-do without the suspended Cheick Tiote while Steven Taylor is a doubt after suffering a nasty facial injury against Sunderland.

Pardew will also continue to be without the injured Tim Krul, Rob Elliot, Mehdi Abeid, Siem de Jong, Rolando Aarons, Gabriel Obertan and Ryan Taylor.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle: United have found their form in recent weeks while Newcastle have completely lost theirs, so I can’t see past a home victory tomorrow.

Betting Tips

Man Utd are favourites to win the game and new customers can get enhanced odds of 5/1 on a home win with Betfair while a 2-1 win is on offer at 17/2. I fancy Robin van Persie to open the scoring at odds of 4/1, and if we combine that with a 2-1 win in a scorecast then we get very tempting odds of 25/1. Surely that’s got to be worth a couple of quid!?

BACK MAN UTD TO WIN AT CRAZY ODDS OF 5/1 – MONEY BACK IF YOU LOSE

What team would you like to see start and whats your predicted score for the game?