On Wednesday, May 15th, in a rescheduled match of the 34th round of the EPL, Manchester United will host Newcastle at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag's side suffered a 0-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, while the Magpies drew 1-1 with Brighton the day before.
The match will take place in Manchester at Old Trafford.
Despite boasting a strong squad, Manchester United has fallen short of fans' expectations this season. Quickly being knocked out of the top-four race, the Red Devils currently sit 8th in the Premier League table, trailing the top six by 3 points. Erik ten Hag's side can still aim for a finish in the European spots, although their recent performances aren't encouraging. In their last eight league matches, the hosts only managed to beat the struggling Sheffield United (4-2), drew four times, and lost three.
After a home draw with Burnley (1-1), they were thrashed by Crystal Palace (4-0) and narrowly lost to Arsenal last weekend (0-1), with Trossard's goal in the 20th minute deciding the outcome. It is noteworthy that the Red Devils are the only team in the top eight with a negative goal difference (52 goals scored vs. 56 conceded). Moreover, United has been dreadful at home this season, securing just 30 points in 18 home matches.
Occupying the sixth spot in the Premier League table and leading Wednesday's opponents by three points, Newcastle is focused solely on maintaining their position and securing a European berth. Eddie Howe's team had been inconsistent throughout the season but is finishing strong in the spring, with just one defeat in their last eight matches, winning five and drawing twice. After resounding away victories over Sheffield United (5-1) and Burnley (4-1), the Magpies drew 1-1 at home with Brighton last weekend.
Both sides exchanged first-half goals through Veltman and Longstaff, with no further goals after the break. With tough fixtures against Man United and Brentford ahead, the visitors cannot afford to relax. It's important to note that the Magpies have struggled away from home, ranking just 15th in overall points earned on the road (17 points in 17 matches, 30 goals scored, 35 conceded).
In the first round, Manchester United lost 1-0 to Newcastle. Moreover, early November saw the Red Devils suffer a heavy 3-0 home defeat to the Magpies in the League Cup.
Newcastle has gained momentum recently, but their away form remains inconsistent, with four wins and three losses in their last seven away games. United, after a 4-0 thrashing by Crystal Palace, showed more fight against Arsenal last weekend, but their injury woes persist. The Magpies cannot afford mistakes with Chelsea breathing down their necks, whereas Wednesday's fixture is United's last chance to cling to a European spot. I'm betting on a draw.
Both sides have impressive attacking lines but lack defensive solidity, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per match. I'm betting on both teams to score.
Both teams will play offensively, as they desperately need points in the race for European spots. I expect an open game and I'm betting on the total corners over 9.5.
In the teams' last two league encounters, there were never more than three yellow cards shown. I'm betting on the total yellow cards under 4.5.
I'm betting on a 1-1 draw.
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