Manchester United to edge close game
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Manchester United have been revitalised under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Since taking over the Red Devils, Solskjaer has engineered three straight wins and transformed Paul Pogba into a goal machine.
However, Solskjaer has benefitted from an easy run of fixtures. The manager will now take his squad to Newcastle to play Rafael Benitez’s Magpies.
Newcastle are undefeated in four of their last six matches. Their improved form has pushed them to 15th in the table and three points above the relegation zone. Newcastle drew with Watford, 1-1, at the weekend thanks to a Saloman Rondon goal. The striker was excellent against the Hornets and will give Manchester United’s defence a physical test.
The last time the two teams met at Old Trafford, Newcastle raced out to a two-goal lead. Manchester United’s second half comeback led to a late winning goal. However, the Red Devils were mostly poor throughout the game despite winning 3-2.
Manchester United’s wins under Solskjaer have all come against teams in 11th place or lower. Newcastle comes at the perfect time for the new manager as he aims to get Manchester United into the top four. The Red Devils are eight points back of the Champions League places.
The last six Premier League meetings between the two teams have seen Manchester United win three times and draw twice. Newcastle’s lone win came last term at St. James’ Park. Three of the last six games have seen over 2.5 goals scored. Meanwhile, three games have seen only one team score in the fixture.
Manchester United’s recent away matches have seen plenty of goals scored. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in the Red Devils’ last eight league away games. Newcastle will have their work cut out for them as Manchester United are undefeated in 29 of their last 32 matches against Newcastle in all competitions. Leading sportsbooks have Newcastle as a longshot to win against Manchester United when the two teams meet on Wednesday.
Solskjaer will need to juggle his squad as Marcus Rashford will miss the fixture due to a groin injury. Romelu Lukaku will most likely play in place of Rashford. The Belgian scored in the final minutes of Manchester United’s win over Bournemouth at the weekend. Eric Bailly will miss the match due to suspension after picking up a red card on Sunday.
Newcastle’s form against Manchester United in recent years has been appalling. It will lead to the Red Devils picking up another win against Newcastle. Based on their previous meeting this season, expect both sides to score and over 2.5 goals in this fixture.
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