As the festive football schedule unfolds, a solitary Premier League fixture takes centre stage on Boxing Day, with Manchester United hosting Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The 8pm kick-off, broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, sees both sides desperate for three points to reignite their ambitions for European qualification next season.
Form Guide and Festive Fortunes
Manchester United, under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, approach the match seeking to end a frustrating run. Their last two outings have yielded just a single point from two thrilling encounters. A remarkable 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford was followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, despite a dominant performance.
Newcastle United, managed by Eddie Howe, are in a similar vein, having taken only one point from their last two league games. A painful 1-0 defeat in the Wear-Tyne derby against Sunderland preceded a dramatic 2-2 draw with Chelsea, where they squandered a two-goal halftime lead. The Magpies' away form this term is a significant concern, with just one win on the road, making United the favourites with bookmakers to end their own three-game winless streak.
Key Betting Markets and Predictions
The defensive vulnerabilities of both teams point towards a high-scoring affair. Five goals have been scored in two of the last three meetings between these sides. United have seen five or more goals in two of their last three matches, while Newcastle have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten Premier League fixtures.
Consequently, the over 3.5 goals market is a popular pick, offered at 13/8 with Bet365. With key creators like Bruno Fernandes injured, the spotlight falls on United's attacking players to step up. Matheus Cunha, who has scored in his last two appearances, is tipped to find the net again at 2/1 with BoyleSports.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Manchester United's injury list is lengthy. They will definitely be without Bruno Fernandes (hamstring), Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo (both AFCON), Harry Maguire, and Noussair Mazraoui. Matthijs de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo are doubts.
For Newcastle, Eddie Howe is hopeful Nick Pope and Lewis Miley could return, but Joelinton and Sven Botman are unlikely to be ready. Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier, and William Osula remain unavailable.
Man Utd predicted XI: Lammens; Heaven, Yoro, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko.
Newcastle predicted XI: Ramsdale; Miley, Schar, Thiaw, Hall; Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey; Murphy, Gordon; Woltemade.
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