Newcastle United is set to host Manchester United on April 13, 2025, in an eagerly anticipated clash in the 32nd round of the Premier League. The match, kicking off at 18:30 Moscow time, promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for crucial points in their respective campaigns.
Newcastle, currently sitting in fifth place in the league with 53 points, is on a roll, having won their last four matches across all competitions. Their most recent victory was a commanding 3-0 win against Leicester City, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defense. The Magpies are looking to extend their winning streak to five matches as they aim for a top-four finish, which would qualify them for next season's Champions League.
In contrast, Manchester United has had a tumultuous season, with their primary focus shifting towards the Europa League. The Red Devils will be playing the first leg of the quarter-finals against Lyon shortly after this match, which may affect their performance in the Premier League. Currently languishing in 13th place, United has struggled to find consistency, managing only a draw against Manchester City in their last league outing.
Both teams have made headlines for their recent performances, but the spotlight will be on Newcastle's lineup, which sees the debut of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for Manchester United. Notably, Andre Onana has been omitted from the squad after a shaky performance in the Europa League, where he made two costly errors against Lyon. Newcastle's starting eleven includes Pope, Livramento, Burn, Schar, Trippier, Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes, Barnes, Isak, and Murphy, while Manchester United features Bayindir, Mazraoui, Lindelof, Yoro, Dalot, Ugarthe, Eriksen, Amass, Fernandes, Garnacho, and Zirkzee.
Historically, Newcastle has had the upper hand in their recent encounters, winning both of their last two home games against Manchester United without conceding a goal. Their last meeting on December 30, 2024, saw Newcastle triumph 2-0 at Old Trafford, further boosting their confidence going into this match. The bookmakers have also tipped Newcastle as the favorites, with odds of 1.71 for a home victory.
Newcastle's recent form has been impressive, with victories against Brentford and Leicester following their League Cup triumph over Liverpool (2-1) earlier in the season. Manager Eddie Howe has instilled a winning mentality in his squad, and the team is eager to capitalize on their home advantage at St James' Park, where they have won eight out of fourteen matches this season.
However, the Magpies will be without key players like Botman and Hall due to injuries, and the availability of Gordon and Willock remains uncertain. Despite these absences, the return of influential forward Anthony Gordon could be pivotal in securing a vital win.
On the other hand, Manchester United is grappling with its own set of challenges. The team has not won a league match against a strong opponent in recent weeks, and their focus on the upcoming Europa League clash may hinder their performance in the Premier League. The Red Devils have also been plagued by injuries, with Evans, Martinez, Diallo, Heven, and Collyer all sidelined for this match. The uncertainty surrounding De Ligt's fitness adds to their woes.
Despite their struggles, United has shown resilience in matches against top teams, managing to earn draws against Arsenal and Manchester City. However, their lack of attacking firepower has been evident, with only three instances of scoring more than one goal in their last ten league matches.
As the match approaches, predictions are leaning towards a Newcastle victory, with some forecasts suggesting a scoreline of 2-1 in favor of the home side. The odds for a Newcastle win with a two-goal advantage are set at 4.80, reflecting the confidence in their ability to dominate the match.
Newcastle's recent streak and Manchester United's inconsistent form set the stage for an exciting encounter. As the teams prepare to clash, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this pivotal match, which could have significant implications for both clubs' aspirations this season.
