The festive programme gets underway with a heavyweight Boxing Day clash at Old Trafford, where Manchester United play host to Newcastle United. Both sides arrive with questions at the back but plenty of attacking intent, setting the stage for an open, high-tempo contest.
United will be keen to make a statement after last weekend’s setback at Aston Villa, while Newcastle travel south buoyed by recent resilience and a strong recent record in this fixture. With goals a recurring theme when these two meet, this has all the makings of an entertaining start to the holiday round. Here are my thoughts on the contest, along with a bet worth considering.
Before we turn to Friday’s meeting, here’s a quick look at the Premier League title race where Arsenal remain clear favourites at 73/100, with Manchester City close behind at 6/4. Liverpool and Aston Villa both sit at 25/1, while the rest of the field is priced 40/1 or longer.
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MANCHESTER UNITED v NEWCASTLE UNITED – Click here to bet
Week 18 gets underway on Boxing Day as Manchester United welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford for a late Friday night showdown that promises plenty of intrigue. United arrive off the back of a frustrating 2–1 defeat away to Aston Villa last Sunday, a result that leaves Ruben Amorim’s side sitting 7th in the table with 26 points from 17 matches (W7 D5 L5). Squad depth could be tested here, with several players away at AFCON and doubts surrounding Bruno Fernandes, leaving United slightly undercooked for a demanding festive fixture.
At Old Trafford, results have been respectable rather than convincing. United have taken 14 points from their opening eight home league matches, recording four wins, two draws and two defeats. Goals haven’t been an issue, 16 scored, but defensive frailties continue to undermine their work, with 12 conceded and just one clean sheet at home all season. Amorim’s men are winless in their last three league outings at Old Trafford (D2 L1), most recently drawing 4–4 with Bournemouth in a chaotic contest. Worryingly, they’ve conceded six goals across their last three home league games, underlining how open their matches have become.
Newcastle make the trip south looking to build on a resilient 2–2 draw with Chelsea last weekend. Eddie Howe’s side sit 11th with 23 points from 17 matches (W6 D5 L6) and have lost just once in their last seven games in all competitions. While consistency has been elusive, Newcastle’s matches have rarely lacked entertainment, with the Magpies scoring 23 goals and conceding 22 in the league so far, managing just four clean sheets along the way.
Away from home, however, Newcastle have struggled to impose themselves. They’ve collected only six points from eight league matches on the road, winning once, drawing three and losing four. Four defeats in their last five away league games tell the story, with their sole bright spot coming in a convincing 4–1 win at Everton. After opening their away campaign with three consecutive goalless draws, Newcastle’s defensive solidity has faded, and they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five league trips.
Head-to-Head
Newcastle have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, winning five of the last six encounters in all competitions. That run includes a league double last season, with a 2–0 victory at Old Trafford followed by a dominant 4–1 win at St James’ Park.
Betting
Manchester United 29/20
Draw 53/20
Newcastle United 7/4
Verdict
Both sides have been shaky at the back in recent weeks, setting the stage for a lively Boxing Day clash. Manchester United will be eager to respond at home, while Newcastle’s attacking threat makes them dangerous on the break. Expect both teams to trade blows, with goals at both ends and over 2.5 goals looking the standout angle.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to score & Over 2.5 goals at 93/100
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
