It’s Newcastle vs Manchester United this weekend, as Eddie Howe’s team heads to Old Trafford in search of three wins on the bounce.
The Magpies dismantled Brentford last week, winning 5-1 at home. Combine that with the 4-1 win over Fulham and Newcastle have scored nine goals in their previous two games.
Howe’s side are hitting form, and arrive at Old Trafford at the perfect time. However, it will still be a very difficult game against Erik ten Hag’s side. They are currently fifth in the Premier League, one place and a point above Newcastle.
But the Magpies are brimming with confidence and will be hopeful of a good result. With that in mind, this is the Newcastle team we expect to see vs Man United
Matt Targett needed at left-back
Dan Burn has played at left-back for Newcastle in the past two games, but that needs to change on Sunday. While the local lad has done well, we would benefit from a more orthodox fullback up against Man United’s summer signing Antony.
That hopefully leads to Matt Targett being recalled. The £15million man has sat out Newcastle’s last two games, but is much better equipped than Burn to stop the Red Devils’ number 21.
It is harsh on Burn, who has always been reliable for Newcastle. But Howe needs to put out his best team and ignore sentiment to get a result at Old Trafford.
Joelinton returns to the starting team vs Man United
With that in mind, we should also see Joelinton back in the Newcastle engine room. He has also started the last two games on the bench, having nursed an injury during the international break.
The Brazilian came on as a substitute last week and helped provide the fifth goal, with his cross leading to Ethan Pinnock’s own goal.
Newcastle’s pressing is going to be key against a potentially leggy Man United side, who won 1-0 on Thursday night in the Europa League.
That is why Joelinton should return to the side in place of Sean Longstaff.
ASM’s first start since Wolves
With Targett and Joelinton back, we also expect Howe to make a third and final change. Jacob Murphy out, Allan Saint-Maximin in.
The Frenchman made his comeback last week with a cameo off the bench. With another week of training under his belt, he should be ready to return to Newcastle’s forward line.
Saint-Maximin hasn’t started a game since the 1-1 draw with Wolves. He scored a stunner on that day that won him goal of the month.
An equally as exquisite strike against Manchester United would be the perfect return to Howe’s starting XI…
Predicted XI vs Man United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Willock,Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
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