English Premier
2025-04-13 - Newcastle United vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 13th April 2025 - Kick Off 4:30pm
This game is live on TV
Newcastle United
You have to believe that most Newcastle United fans already feel this has been a successful season after winning the League Cup in March, but that is not to say that they do not want even more. Much like those in the stands, Eddie Howe and his players are focused on a return to the Champions League, especially now five places have been confirmed for a spot in the top UEFA competition for next season.
A crushing win at the King Power Stadium pushed Newcastle United into 5th place in the Premier League table on Monday night and they are only behind Chelsea on goal difference, while importantly having a game in hand over the rivals around them. The Magpies have a 8-2-4 record at St James' Park in the Premier League where they have scored 26 goals and conceded 18.
Newcastle United might have been beaten in Extra Time in the FA Cup Fifth Round, but they have won all 4 games played since then to secure the League Cup trophy and push into the top five of the Premier League standings. They have had some inconsistent results at home in the top flight, but Newcastle United have won 2 in a row here against Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
Sven Botman and Joe Willock are set to miss out, while Anthony Gordon has to be considered a doubt.
Manchester United
It has been a poor season all things considered at Old Trafford and that makes it even more baffling that a player like Andre Onana would have made such a big statement about the qualities of Manchester United and Lyon days before the Europa League Quarter Final First Leg. Those did not go over very well with the French club, including former Manchester United player Nemanja Matic, and the unnecessary pressure created by Onana was highlighted after two mistakes from the goalkeeper led to two Lyon goals.
Fortunately for the goalkeeper, Manchester United still return to Old Trafford next Thursday with a 2-2 draw and they remain favourites to reach the Semi Final of that competition. There is work to do, but before that, 13th placed Manchester United head to the North East for this Premier League fixture. The side have a 4-5-6 record away from home in the Division having scored and conceded 16 goals in those matches.
Manchester United conceded with seconds remaining in Lyon on Thursday and the 2-2 draw means they have failed to win any of their 3 games played in all competitions since the March international break. They have shown some resiliency with a single loss in 10 games in all competitions in normal time, but that defeat was in Manchester United's last away Premier League fixture at Nottingham Forest.
Matthijs de Ligt is expected to miss out, but is hoping to return next week for the Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg. Some changes may be made to protect players and the likes of Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee could come into the starting lineup.
Head to Head
Newcastle United scored twice in the first 20 minutes at Old Trafford in December and the 0-2 scoreline does not come close to highlighting their dominance on the day.
The Magpies are unbeaten in 3 at home against Manchester United and have beaten them twice in a row at St James' Park.
Prediction
The preparation time is firmly in favour of Newcastle United, who are also highly motivated as far as a Champions League chase goes.
Eddie Howe has been ill for a couple of days, but the squad looks about as healthy as it can and Anthony Gordon could also be involved this weekend. More injuries would have a big impact on Newcastle United, although things seem pretty good right now and the team are playing with momentum and confidence.
They were not at their very best in a 2-1 win over Brentford in the last fixture played at St James' Park, but the Newcastle United qualities came through. This is a team with a midfield that has energy in abundance, while the attacking players are capable of providing moments of magic to turn things in favour of Newcastle United.
Defensively you could ask questions, but those are unlikely to come from a Manchester United team that just had a tough test in France on Thursday evening. The 2-2 draw is a good one as far as progress to the Semi Final is concerned, but Andre Onana did not help out at all and Ruben Amorim will feel his team could already have one foot in the next Round with better composure all around.
A lack of goals continues to hurt Manchester United, but credit has to be given to the team for recent defensive organisation. Mistakes cost them two goals on Thursday, but they have only lost 1 of their last 10 games in all competitions in normal time and that is mainly down to keeping opponents out in their own final third.
You cannot ignore the situation for Manchester United here though with one eye on the Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg and having just a couple of days of rest since the First Leg. Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have had some decent results after playing in Europe on Thursday and then having a Premier League game on the Sunday, but the intensity and momentum that Newcastle United have built up will be tough to contain.
Add in the fact that Manchester United have lost on their last 2 visits to St James' Park and the feeling is that The Magpies will do just enough to secure three priceless points in their bid to finish in the top five. Eddie Howe's men are likely going to do well enough defensively to edge this, as Nottingham Forest did when beating Manchester United at the City Ground and so a relatively low-scoring home win feels the most likely outcome.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Newcastle United 2-0 Manchester United
