Premier League: Old Trafford Awaits Sunday Spectacle

Manchester United vs Newcastle United

A Premier League encounter for the purists.

Two grand clubs – each with a hotbed of support few can match, let alone equal – and both with a renewed sense of optimism based on foundations which, to this observer from a distance, look tangible.

So, as the United’s of Manchester and Newcastle prepare to lock horns at Old Trafford this Sunday afternoon, only the most pessimistic pundit would not anticipate Premier League 2022 highlights.

Talking Points

For a start this is a meeting between the teams which go into the weekend in fifth and sixth positions.

Both have already shown improvement, not least when Newcastle held champions Manchester City in a six-goal thriller in August, while United are the only side to have beaten current leaders Arsenal so far this term.

The old misgivings have not gone away as anyone who witnessed the recent Manchester derby drubbing will tell you, and the visit of a club which has just marked a year under new billionaire ownership – purchased by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers 12 months ago – and is intent on breaking into the elite of English football should offer a fascinating glimpse into the progress of both teams.

At the time of writing, it is hard to know who the hosts will have available this weekend given they are in action in Europe on Thursday evening.

What we do know is that Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Donny van de Beek were all absentees for that encounter so this return to domestic duties may come too soon.

Likewise, Scott McTominay is set to serve a one-match suspension after he picked up a fifth yellow card of the season last time out against Everton – a fine come-from-behind victory which showed their character and marked a milestone for one of football’s icons.

For the visitors, fresh from a 5-1 hammering of Brentford, the return of Allan Saint-Maximin as a late substitute capped a terrific day for the Toon Armyas the forward having not played since August because of a hamstring injury.

After a week of training, it is hard to know if he will be handed a starting berth with manager Eddie Howe likely to keep faith with the team which started that game.

Likewise, it is unclear if striker Alexander Isak, the £58-Msummer arrival from Real Sociedad who netted twice in his opening three games, will be fit enough to return.

That aside, they should be at full strength and full of attacking instincts which should ensure this is extremely compelling entertainment.

History

This fixture produced one of the most exciting comebacks I’ve ever witnessed on duty for SBOTOP.

It was October 2018 and then United boss Jose Mourinho was under pressure after a poor start to the season.

That pressure grew tenfold when the Magpies netted twice in the opening 10 minutes to briefly silence all but a corner of Old Trafford.

The stirring fightback that followed in the final 20 minutes, resulting in Alexis Sanchez’s last-gasp winner, brought special scenes to those of a Red and White affiliation.

Although they were fairly close on that occasion, you have to go back to 2013 for the last time the Toon triumphed on United turf – a day when Yohan Cabaye netted the only goal of the game.

Before that, they last won at Old Trafford in 1972 so their record isn’t the best.

Last season, United won this fixture 4-1 in what was the “second coming” – a day those of a United persuasion will never forget as Cristiano Ronaldo mania returned to the Theatre of Dreams on his second debut for the club 12 years after his last outing for United – and he scored twice in a 4-1 win, joined on the scoresheet by Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard.

Javier Manquillo had briefly drawn the Magpies level.

It was honours even at St. James Park last December when Saint-Maximin’s early goal was cancelled out by Edinson Cavani whose teammate David de Gea then produced one of the saves of the season to ensure it finished 1-1.

Overall, United have 90 wins in this fixture with 43 Newcastle successes and 40 meetings ending level.

Betting Tip

United are firm favourites with the Premier League 2022 betting odds, priced both 1X2 @ 1.98 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.29 among the options.

For the Tynesiders, bets include 1X2 @ 3.50 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.25.

If you’re expecting goals, how about Over 3.00 @ 2.23 or even First Half Over 1.25 @ 2.17?

The draw is on offer @ 3.55 and a repeat of last season’s scoreline – Correct Score 4-1 – @ 34.00.

Newcastle are a different outfit nowadays, of course, and I expect a closer contest with plenty of goals from two teams with attacking talent aplenty.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.