Man Utd (A): Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-up and prediction

This feels big. With two games to play, our hopes of a top six finish sit squarely in our own hands as we travel to what once was known as the 'Theatre of Dreams', now more noted for its leaky roof and leakier defence.

Wins against Manchester United and Brentford will secure back to back seasons in Europe, something rarely seen on Tyneside this century. However, a draw against Brighton in our last home game of the season means we are now level on points with Chelsea; one of the league's in-form sides after three wins on the spin.

We know that sixth will secure us some form of European football regardless of the result of the FA Cup final. Magpies' boss Eddie Howe was punchy about our league standing saying: "We find ourselves in this position, and it is where we deserve to be. Our motivation is to qualify for Europe."

Old Trafford played host to our brilliant 3-0 win against Man U in the League Cup earlier this season with goals from Miggy Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock sealing a memorable win in the North West.

Although Howe was quick to say that he was not dwelling too much on past success against the Red Devils.

"That game has no relevance to this one," he said. "It is a new challenge and I back the players. The players will embrace the pressure and be ready for the game.

"It is a massive fixture, we are coming to the end of the season, we are desperate to do well in the game, we will do everything we can to try and win.

"We don’t underestimate Manchester United; we know how tough it will be. We are under no illusions of the magnitude of this game. It is a time to enjoy the situation we are in."

Team news

Howe said that both Alex Isak and Callum Wilson did not train at the start of the week because of illness, while also saying that it would be "foolish" to start Joelinton if he wasn't at his physical best. It remains to be seen if the Brazilian will start, with he and recently injured trio Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron and Nick Pope all fit and available once again.

Fabian Schar is also one to watch, with Howe hinting in Tuesday's press conference that he's making very good progress from a hamstring injury that was meant to keep him out for the season.

Erik ten Hag will be able to call on Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez, who has only made 11 appearances this season due to injury. Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Willy Kambwala all face a late fitness test before the game.

Predicted line-up: Dubravka - Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall - Bruno, Longstaff, Joelinton - Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

This is a huge match and Howe will be able to pick his strongest team in a long time. I have a feeling we may not see Nick Pope until the post-season friendly match, although I may be very incorrect on that one, but Howe's pre-match comments on Schar give me reason to believe he could return.

Trippier's cameo against Brighton proves he has fitness back and I would back him to start and lead the team out as captain. I think Anderson would be unlucky to lose his spot in the team, but Joelinton offers more physicality in the middle of the pitch and this game will require that.

I hope Howe was bluffing about Isak and Wilson, although I am hoping both come through training today and can feature.

Prediction: Man Utd 1 - 1 Newcastle

There is so much riding on this game and I expect it to be a nervy affair. Ten Hag is fighting for his future and both teams are fighting for Europe, with Newcastle knowing a draw would secure our first Premier League finish above Man Utd and guarantee at least a Conference League Spot should Man City lift the FA Cup.

But - and this is a massive but - if Man U play as badly as they have proven they can play this season, we can and must kill off this game as quickly and as brutally as we are capable of.

Howay the lads!