Predicted XI: Manchester United 3-5-2 vs Newcastle United - The Return of Angel Di Maria

Last year’s corresponding fixture will go down as one of the defining moments of David Moyes’s era at Manchester United. A day Moyes continued his fine form of getting into the record books breaking two records on the same day. Yohan Cabaye’s solitary goal handed Newcastle their first win at Old Trafford for 41 years. It was also the first time in 11 years that Manchester United end up losing two home games back-to-back.  #MoyesThat !!

Manchester United go into the game after failing to continue their impressive winning streak after drawing against Aston Villa during the weekend. United sit 3rd in the league, 10 points off league leaders Chelsea and must win this game in order to keep themselves in the title race. These games during the festive period may be what makes or breaks the possibility of a tittle challenge by Louis Van Gaal’s men. Newcastle have had a mixed season so far making a poor start and then picking up some impressive results as the season progressed against sides like Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea. Since ending Chelsea’s unbeaten run early in the month of December Newcastle have yet again had a dip of form getting thrashed by Arsenal and losing the local derby against Sunderland to a last minute goal. Alan Pardew and his side would be looking to bounce back and prevent their side from plummeting to the bottom half of the table.

Team News :

Manchester United : Angel Di Maria is likely to return to the starting eleven after making a substitute appearance against Aston Villa. Ander Herrera should be fit to face Newcastle after picking up a knock before the Aston Villa game. Maroune Fellaini should also be able to take part after overcoming the illness that kept him on the sidelines on Saturday. Although Luke Shaw has been in training for sometime it is unlikely that he will start. A return to the bench looks more likely for the young left back. Marcos Rojo (Thigh) and Chris Smalling (Muscle) both have an outside chance of making the squad against Newcastle but the next game against Spurs looks more likely for the return of the center back duo. Daley Blind (Ankle)  is the only long term injury at the moment.

Newcastle United : Newcastle will be without their first and second choice Goalkeepers Tim Krul (Ankle) and Rob Elliot (Thigh). 21 year old Jak Alnwick is likely to start  in goal for the magpies. Santon (Knee), Oberton (Thigh), De Jong (Thigh), Ryan Taylor (Knee) are also injured. Newcastle will also be without midfielder Cheick Tiote due to suspension.

Predicted Lineups :

Manchester United :

Davd De Gea

Rafael   Jones  Carrick  Evans   Young

Fellaini          Rooney

Di Maria

RVP          Falcao

Newcastle United:

Alnwick

Janmaat  Taylor   Coloccini  Dummet

Colback   Anita   Sissoko

Gouffran                                     Perez 

Cisse

Players to Watch : 

Manchester United: Angel Di Maria

After making his return from injury against Aston Villa on Saturday it will be interesting to see whether Angel Di Maria can continue his brilliant start to life as a Manchester United player.

Newcastle United : Jack Colback

Since his move from Sunderland to Newcastle Jack Colback has been one of the stand out performers for Newcastle this season. He was arguably the man of the match against Chelsea and is definitely one player who could hurt Manchester United with his energy in the midfield.

Last Five League Meetings: 

4 Jan 2012- NUFC 3–0 MUFC

7 October 2012- NUFC 0–3 MUFC

26 December 2013- MUFC 4–3 NUFC

7 December 2013- MUFC 0–1 NUFC

5 April 2014- NUFC 0–4 MUFC

Prediction : 2-1 United Win.

Enjoy that? Give it a share!