Newcastle vs Man Utd: TV channel, kick-off time, team news & prediction
Newcastle United face a challenging week as they prepare to host Manchester United on , with a 7pm GMT kick-off at St. James’ Park. The match will be televised live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with coverage beginning at 7pm GMT, and is likewise available for streaming via the Discovery+ app, and website. Fans can also follow live updates through Standard Sport’s live blog.
The Magpies’ recent form has been concerning, having lost five of their last six league matches, including a recent defeat at home to Everton. A late January encounter with Wolves also ended without a victory. This dip in performance comes at a critical juncture, as Newcastle navigate a demanding schedule that includes an FA Cup tie against Manchester City, a Champions League last-16 clash with Barcelona, and a league visit to Chelsea, all before the month concludes with the highly anticipated Tyne and Wear derby.
Manchester United, meanwhile, arrive at St. James’ Park with their own injury concerns. Luke Shaw was forced off during the recent match against Crystal Palace following a tackle, and Harry Maguire also experienced discomfort late in the game. Manager Erik ten Hag indicated that neither player was at 100 per cent following the match, and their availability for the trip to Newcastle remains uncertain, with a further update expected at a pre-match press conference.
United’s injury list extends beyond Shaw and Maguire. Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount are both working their way back from injuries and could feature, though their return may come too soon. Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu are both ruled out, recovering from a lower back issue and a torn hamstring respectively.
Newcastle are also grappling with a significant number of injuries. Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, and Fabian Schar are all nearing recovery, but are not expected to be available for the midweek fixture. Lewis Miley continues to recover from a thigh injury, hoping to return before the complete of the month, while Jacob Ramsey was substituted at the weekend due to illness but is anticipated to be fit to play against United. Emil Krafth is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
The contrasting priorities of the two teams could significantly influence the outcome of the match. Newcastle, involved in both the FA Cup and Champions League, may be tempted to rotate their squad and prioritize player fitness for those upcoming fixtures. Manchester United, having been eliminated from both domestic cups and not participating in European competition, can dedicate their full attention to the Premier League and will likely field their strongest available lineup.
Should Eddie Howe opt to rest key players, it would create an opportunity for Manchester United to capitalize and secure all three points. The tactical approach of both managers will be crucial, with Ten Hag likely aiming to exploit Newcastle’s weakened squad and Howe seeking to manage his players’ workload while remaining competitive.
Historically, Newcastle has enjoyed a strong record against Manchester United, with five wins in their last seven meetings. However, United secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, thanks to a goal from Patrick Dorgu. Manchester United boasts 91 wins in head-to-head encounters between the two sides.
Betfair currently lists Manchester United as slight favorites to win the match, with odds of 7/5. This reflects their current form and the potential for Newcastle to prioritize other competitions.
The match at St. James’ Park promises to be a compelling encounter, with both teams facing unique challenges and opportunities. While Newcastle’s focus may be divided, Manchester United will be eager to capitalize on their opponents’ vulnerabilities and secure a valuable three points in their pursuit of a top-four finish. A win for United could provide a significant boost to their confidence and momentum, while a victory for Newcastle would offer a much-needed respite from their recent struggles and demonstrate their ability to compete on multiple fronts.