Tonight, all eyes are on Old Trafford as Newcastle United prepare to take on Manchester United in the only Premier League fixture scheduled for this year’s Boxing Day. As the festive lights twinkle across England, there’s a palpable buzz among Magpies supporters—could Eddie Howe’s side deliver a belated Christmas present by repeating last season’s famous win at the Theatre of Dreams?
The build-up to this clash has been dominated by speculation about Newcastle’s starting eleven. Eddie Howe, ever the tactician, faces a pivotal decision: does he shake up his line-up or stick with the players who battled to a 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend? The answer, as always, isn’t so straightforward. With defensive injuries continuing to bite, Lewis Miley is set to deputise at right-back, a role he’s filled with grit and determination in recent weeks. Tino Livramento, unfortunately, remains sidelined, making Miley’s inclusion almost a given.
Between the sticks, there’s been a heated debate. Nick Pope, Newcastle’s undisputed number one, is expected to return from a groin injury that’s seen him miss several crucial matches. Aaron Ramsdale, who was brought in to provide competition, has had a challenging run—no clean sheets in seven matches and a save percentage of just 44%. The statistics don’t lie: Pope’s 75% save rate and 1.1 goals conceded per 90 minutes make a compelling argument for his immediate reinstatement. As one commentator put it, “Newcastle need the goalkeeper who is less likely to concede a goal between the sticks and that is Pope.”
Howe’s dilemma doesn’t end there. The midfield, often the heartbeat of this Newcastle team, is another area of intense scrutiny. Joelinton, who scored in last year’s 2-0 triumph at Old Trafford, is nearing full fitness after a groin injury. His physicality and drive could be just what the Magpies need, especially with Manchester United’s midfield missing key figures like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. Howe admitted in his pre-match press conference, “Joelinton is getting closer,” but also hinted at the need to manage his minutes with a packed winter schedule and a trip to Burnley looming just four days later.
Jacob Ramsey, Newcastle’s £39 million summer signing from Aston Villa, has been handed opportunities in Joelinton’s absence. His journey so far has been anything but smooth. Ramsey suffered a nasty ankle injury just 45 minutes into his first start for the club, sidelining him for over a month. Since regaining fitness, he’s started the last two matches and, according to Howe, delivered his best performance yet against Chelsea. “I think that was his best game for us, I felt, against Chelsea. Athletically, very, very good. Some of his numbers that he produced in that game were elite in terms of the benchmark for midfielders,” Howe said. Yet, despite these encouraging signs, Ramsey’s output in the final third—goals and assists—remains a work in progress. Howe underscored, “I think the next step for him is to start impacting the final third with goals and assists and those decisive actions which we know he’s capable of.”
Not everyone in black and white has enjoyed such positive reviews. Jacob Murphy, once a key contributor with 20 goal involvements last season, has struggled to replicate that form. He’s started only 10 of Newcastle’s 17 league games and hasn’t contributed to a goal in his last nine appearances. Many expect that Harvey Barnes, eager to make his mark after limited opportunities, could be handed a start out wide. The consensus among pundits is that Murphy, Ramsey, and Ramsdale are the three most likely to be dropped from tonight’s starting eleven.
Newcastle’s attack will likely feature Nick Woltemade, fresh off a brace against Chelsea—a performance that showcased both his finishing instincts and his ability to trouble top defenses. Alongside him, Anthony Gordon remains a constant threat with his pace and directness, while the likes of Barnes and Joe Willock are pushing for more minutes as Howe looks to rotate his squad amid a congested fixture list.
In defense, the back line almost picks itself due to injuries. Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schar have established a solid partnership in central defense, with Lewis Hall providing energy and composure at left-back. The absence of Livramento means there’s little room for experimentation, and Howe will be counting on his defenders to stand firm against a Manchester United side desperate to find consistency themselves.
The Magpies’ recent record at Old Trafford offers cause for optimism. They’ve won two of their last three visits—a remarkable turnaround given the club’s historical struggles at the venue. Last season’s 2-0 victory, powered by Joelinton’s midfield dominance, still lingers in the memory. Yet, with injuries biting and the pressure to secure points mounting, tonight’s assignment feels as tricky as ever.
Looking ahead, Newcastle’s Boxing Day showdown is not just about the three points. It’s a test of their squad depth, resilience, and ability to respond to adversity. With Burnley waiting in the wings on January 30, Howe must balance the need for a statement result with the realities of player fitness and fixture congestion. “We have to be mindful of gametime with plenty of games coming up,” Howe has noted, highlighting the delicate juggling act required at this stage of the season.
For Manchester United, the absence of midfield anchors and the pressure of being the sole Boxing Day fixture add their own layers of intrigue. With both teams eager to make a statement, the stage is set for a contest brimming with storylines—returning stars, tactical gambits, and the ever-present possibility of a festive upset.
As kick-off approaches, the Newcastle faithful will be hoping that Pope’s safe hands, Joelinton’s power, and Ramsey’s emerging quality can combine to deliver another memorable night at Old Trafford. Whether Howe’s selection gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: this Boxing Day clash promises drama, tension, and, just maybe, a little bit of holiday magic.
With the action set to unfold under the Old Trafford lights, both teams will be eager to seize the moment. For Newcastle, a positive result could spark momentum heading into a crucial stretch of the campaign. For now, the outcome hangs in the balance, with fans on both sides bracing for a Boxing Day battle to remember.
