Premier League Team news and prediction: Newcastle vs Man Utd
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is entering a defining period as Manchester United manager after their 6-1 mauling at home against Tottenham before the international break. United have a tough run of matches coming up and Solskjaer desperately needs to avoid another slip-up here or the pressure will really start to ramp up on the away side.
In the build up to United's trip to St. James' Park to face Newcastle we have all your need-to-know match information in one place. Including team names, where you can catch the game and a scoreline prediction.
When is kick off?
Saturday 17th October, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
St. James' Park, Newcastle
Where can I watch it?
Sky Box Office
Season so far
Newcastle have endured a typically mixed start to the campaign, with the Magpies heading into the weekend's action in ninth place. Steve Bruce's side have defeated West Ham and Burnley, drawn with Tottenham and lost 3-0 at home to Brighton. Bruce will be satisfied with the way things have gone so far, albeit they were very fortunate to manage a 1-1 draw with Tottenham.
While Bruce will be content, the same cannot be said for his opposite number. Manchester United start the weekend in 16th position having lost two of their first three Premier League matches. United started the season with a 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, bounced back with a fortunate 3-2 win over Brighton and were then demolished 6-1 on home soil to former manager Jose Mourinho.
Team News
The good news for Newcastle is defensive duo Jamaal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis should be fine to start after entering the break with knocks, while star winger Allan Saint-Maximin is also expected to start. With Ryan Fraser and Miguel Almiron potentially set for a place on the bench on Saturday, Steve Bruce even has good attacking options to bring on if required.
Time is a good healer and two weeks have now passed since their drubbing by Tottenham, which may save the likes of David de Gea and Paul Pogba from the axe. Harry Maguire picked up a small knock before his red card for England in midweek but has travelled with the squad indicating he will start here. Deadline day addition Alex Telles is also with the squad despite returning late from international duty with a debut set to follow this weekend. Fellow new signing Edinson Cavani will not be involved, however. He has to complete a period of self-isolation. With Anthony Martial starting a three-game ban, Mason Greenwood may get his first start as a No.9 with Juan Mata coming in on the wing. Donny van de Beek, Fred and Scott McTominay are all pushing for starts in midfield, with Dean Henderson waiting in the wings to replace De Gea in goal.
Probable XIs
Newcastle (422): Darlow; Manquillo, Lascelles, Fernandez, Lewis; Hendrick, Shelvey, Hayden, Saint-Maximin; Wilson, Joelinton
Man Utd (4231): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles; Matic, Pogba; Mata, Fernandes, Rashford; Greenwood
Key Battle: Allan Saint-Maximin vs Marcus Rashford
With Manchester United reeling at the back, potentially set to be without their most expensive defender, and with a goalkeeper that is still struggling, the last thing they will want to face is a tricky winger like Allan Saint-Maximin. Fresh from penning a new six-year deal with the club, Saint-Maximin will be high on confidence and keen to entertain at United's expense. The 23-year-old has one goal and one assist to his name already this season and averages 3.5 dribbles per 90.
On the ropes and without both Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could really do with Marcus Rashford turning up at St. James' Park. The England international has endured a tough start to the campaign, aside from his stunning individual goal against Brighton, illustrated by a WhoScored rating of just 6.46 across his three Premier League appearances. The 22-year-old has at least managed two goals in his last three appearances against the Magpies.
