Newcastle face Manchester United on Sunday, as they aim to bounce back from the humiliating Leicester defeat last weekend, which has seen a week of intense criticism from media and fans alike.
Steve Bruce is desperately searching for his first home win of his Newcastle reign, and if he does not start getting results soon, it may prove to be a short one.
He will certainly never have a better chance to beat a Manchester United who are suffering struggles of their own.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have not won any of their last 10 games away from Old Trafford across all competitions, which is the worst run since 1989.
Of course, Newcastle fans would gladly swap the Red Devils’ crisis for their own, as they find themselves rooted in the relegation zone, sitting 19th, and in danger of soon becoming detached from those above them.
So what do the experts, and our writers think ahead of this weekend’s match?
Mark Lawrenson – BBC Sport
Lawro thinks Newcastle “waved the white flag” at Leicester last week, and is sure that Steve Bruce will have told the players it was “unacceptable”.
He added: “I would expect to see a reaction from them, and I also think some of the Newcastle fans who stayed away from their draw with Brighton will be back for this game.”
On Manchester United, Lawrenson is sure that Solskjaer’s side “need to get back to winning ways soon”, despite the Norwegian suggesting it will take time for his side to “turn things around”.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Manchester United
Charlie Nicholas – Sky Sports
Nicholas thinks the match-up is an “intriguing one”.
After the dismal showing against Brighton in the last game at St James’ Park, Nicholas said: “You have to give the fans something at home, they are an amazing bunch of supporters.”
He also thinks Solskjaer’s Manchester United “vision will take time”, with a lot of “demands” placed on their youngsters.
He adds: “One week, Newcastle will surprise everybody, and this may be the week. If they hit them and are aggressive, they can shock Manchester United.”
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Manchester United
Robbie Savage – Daily Mirror
Prediction: Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United
Paul Nicholson – GBB writer
I think this may be the most beatable Manchester United team we have faced for many years, with their current away slump speaking volumes.
But I have no faith in Bruce being able to formulate a game-plan to beat anyone right now, and if we are to win, it will be largely down to the players taking the responsibility on themselves.
I am also used to seeing unwanted records broken against Newcastle, and fear that Solskjaer will break their current run at St James’ Park against a dreadful home side on Sunday.
I am hoping we can cling on for a point ahead of the international break, however.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Manchester United
James Rutherford – GBB editor and writer
This is a tough one to call. We’ve been wretched, but so have Manchester United.
While Solskjaer’s side are on a horrible run away from home, it’s hard to see us actually getting a win against them. I’ll go for a draw, a result that does both sides no favours.
Prediction: Newcastle 0-0 Manchester United
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