English Premier
2026-03-04 - Newcastle United vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Wednesday 4th March 2026 - Kick Off 8:15pm
This game is live on TV
Newcastle United
No one should forget the work that Eddie Howe has done at transforming this Newcastle United team into one that has played Champions League Football twice in three years and also ended a long, long wait for silverware. However, growing expectations are hard to contain and there is now beginning to be a feeling amongst the Newcastle United support that this current manager has taken the team as far as he can.
Another home defeat on Saturday has only increased the pressure on Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players who have now slumped into 13th place and in for a real fight to earn a return to European Football. The Cup competitions could offer the best route, but Newcastle United need momentum as they play at St James' Park again where they have a 7-2-5 record and a week of huge games to come.
Newcastle United beat Qarabag in both Legs of the Champions League Knock Out Play Off Round and also got the better of Aston Villa in the FA Cup Fourth Round, but the top flight form has been much poorer. After losing to Everton this weekend, Newcastle United have been beaten in 5 of the last 6 Premier League games played. The Magpies have also lost their last 3 home Premier League fixtures since beating Leeds United 4-3 thanks to two injury time goals.
Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes are big misses and neither is expected back until after the March international break. Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley are expected to miss out, while there have been reports of an illness in the camp with Nick Woltemade suffering at the moment.
Manchester United
A big decision is going to be made by the Manchester United board in the summer about the direction the club is going to go under a new manager, but Michael Carrick has increased his own chances thanks to the strong run of form over the last six weeks. Some fans will be concerned about a small sample of form, much as what was displayed when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was made full time manager a few years ago, but the squad have to remain focused on matters on the field, which they can control.
A second half Penalty and a sending off changed the direction of the fixture on Sunday and Manchester United took advantage to beat Crystal Palace and move into the top three of the Premier League table. Importantly they have put a 6 point gap between themselves and 6th placed Chelsea in the race for Champions League Football. The side make the trip to the North East with a 5-6-3 away record.
Manchester United can thank Benjamin Sesko for the fact they have put together a 7 game unbeaten run and won 6 of those fixtures with the Slovenian striker scoring a number of late winners/equalisers. They are unbeaten in 5 away Premier League games and Manchester United have won 2 of the 3 on their travels under the guidance of Michael Carrick.
Both Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were suffering with illnesses this past weekend and will need to show they have shaken that up. Lisandro Martinez has a knock and is another doubt, while Mason Mount may not be risked knowing the next fixture is not until mid-March. Matthijs de Ligt remains out for the foreseeable future.
Head to Head
Manchester United beat Newcastle United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day in what was a backs to the wall display in the second half.
Recent visits to St James' Park have been far from positive and Newcastle United have won the last 3 when hosting this opponent.
Prediction
Over the last couple of seasons, teams visiting to St James' Park always knew they were in for a rough ride, but Eddie Howe's men have struggled for consistency here this season.
That has especially been the case in the Premier League and the likes of Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton have all won here in the calendar year. Leeds United may have done the same when leading 2-3 going into injury time before conceding two late goals, but there is no doubt that Newcastle United have been struggling for some consistency at St James' Park and really been having big problems at the back.
Those four teams mentioned have scored 11 goals in those 4 Premier League games at this ground and all have managed at least twice.
Injuries are stretching the options for Newcastle United and rumours of an illness spreading through the squad is a real concern ahead of a crucial seven days for Eddie Howe and the players.
Getting back into any UEFA competition through the Premier League finish is becoming a tougher and tougher task for Newcastle United after 5 losses in 6 top flight games. The Cup competitions have been a relief, but even participation in those will mean getting the better of either Manchester City or Barcelona and there are a few mutterings of discontent in this part of the North East.
Things could not be much different for Manchester United.
Michael Carrick may privately still be expecting more out of his squad in terms of the performances, but he will have no issues with the results being produced.
Benjamin Sesko has come alive with key goals against Fulham, West Ham United, Everton and Crystal Palace, while the squad has looked a little more settled under Carrick's instructions. Manchester United have shown plenty of resilience away from home and recent weeks have seen them produce some decent defensive numbers, but perhaps not the overwhelming attacking ones as the interim manager looks to find a perfect balance.
Recent visits to St James' Park have been incredibly difficult for Manchester United, but they may feel they arriving at a good time.
Little breaks have just gone in favour of Manchester United recently and they have shown enough going forward against those that will want to come onto them to believe they can hurt the hosts. Eddie Howe's team will come forward, but that may just allow Manchester United to counter as they have very effectively in scoring away goals at Arsenal and Everton recently.
Nothing ever comes easy for Manchester United here, but they do look a big price to become the latest to leave this part of the North East with a successful raid behind them.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester United
