Man Utd (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction
“We’re going to try and attack it and get a positive result. They have outstanding individuals and a great manager. They’re developing their style of play and philosophy, but we have to go in with no fear. We believe we can win.”
Isn't it nice to hear our manager speak so positively ahead of a big game against a 'top six' side?
In previous years, we'd be filled with trepidation, arriving in fear of another hammering and 'hoping' we can be just about good enough to steal a point. Not now!
Manchester United aren't what they were. They're in a transitional period, are soft defensively, unbalanced in midfield and still trying to gel up top, not to mention the fact they started their strongest team in a narrow Europa League win at Old Trafford less than 48 hours ago.
With Eddie Howe's high-pressing Mags will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a fatigued Red Devils side, especially when a win would see us consolidate our spot in the top six following back-to-back victories.
For all the hope and positivity leading up to Sunday's 2pm kick off, we need to stay switched on and play to our potential, as the hosts still have the individual quality to hurt us if we're anything below our best.
However, if we can be brave, play with intensity all over the field and put in the sort of performance that rattled Liverpool at Anfield back in August, I'm confident we'll come away with at least a point.
Team news
This one will come too soon for Alexander Isak (thigh) and Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring), but both have returned to training so should be back soon.
Elsewhere, Matt Ritchie (calf), Karl Darlow (ankle), Emil Krafth (ACL) remain absent with more long term injures.
For the hosts, Anthony Martial is touch and go after coming off in their 2-1 win at Everton last weekend, with Scott McTominay suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Raphael Varane could return at centre-back, however,
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett – S Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock – Almiron, Wilson, Murphy.
I think there'll be one change here, seeing Matt Targett replace Dan Burn at left-back. The big man was the one player who struggled in that 5-1 win over Brentford and could get exposed if paired up against Man Utd's Brazilian trickster, Antony.
I'd like to see Allan Saint-Maximin return, believing his ability on the counter could hurt this beatable Man Utd side, but I see Howe keeping faith in Jacob Murphy after his goal last weekend.
The team he selected last weekend suggests he'll be loyal to a side that have performed well over the past two games, meaning the likes of Joelinton may have to settle for a place on the bench again.
Predicted Man Utd XI: De Gea - Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw - Casimero, Eriksen - Antony, Fernandes, Rashford - Martial.
One to watch: Casimero - He was named 'man of the match' last weekend, but I thought the Brazilian delivered a real mixed bag at Everton. He could be key to stopping our counter attacks, yet he also looks like a player struggling to adapt to the pace and intensity of Premier League football. If we can force him into errors on Sunday, we have a real chance of winning that midfield battle and getting at their back four.
Prediction
Our results against the big six sides haven't been the best of late, but I am confident we'll come away with a result here.
My head says a draw, however there's a part of me wondering if our energy and confidence will help us to a big win over a Man Utd side who we should be able to outrun after the majority of their first-team were pushed for 90 minutes on Thursday night.
Willock to finally get the goal his performances have deserved in a hard fought win for the Toon!
Prediction: Man Utd 1-2 Newcastle
