Newcastle take on Manchester United at St James' Park as they look to turn the tide following a difficult run of domestic form
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United battles for possession with Manuel Ugarte
Newcastle are looking to get back to winning ways against Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle welcome Manchester United to St James' Park on Wednesday night, determined to reignite their season on home soil.
Just a few weeks back, the Magpies were firmly in the conversation for a top-four finish. Now, Eddie Howe's side are battling to rediscover rhythm and confidence after a sharp dip in form.
Five defeats in their last six league matches have halted momentum, with the only win in that stretch arriving against stragglers Tottenham.
Despite recent setbacks, Newcastle will be hoping to turn the tide against Manchester United, particularly after beating them 4-1 in the fixture in May last year. That said, they did suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Red Devils the last time the two sides met on Boxing Day.
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Man United arrive in the north east in a buoyant mood under new boss Michael Carrick. The former midfielder has reinvigorated the side, who have clinched six wins from their last seven league games. Here, we run through three predictions from seasoned pundits ahead of the midweek encounter on Tyneside.
Harry Redknapp: 2-2
"Wow, what a game this should be. Newcastle look a long way off the top four now but they need a big performance and a big win just to give the place a lift. There's still so much for them to play for this season.
"United haven't been playing brilliantly in the last few games but they're getting results and that's all that matters. To think they’re now third in the league, that would have been unthinkable a few months ago.
Harry Redknapp poses at Kempton Park Racecourse
Former Tottenham and West Ham boss Harry Redknapp is predicting a 2-2 draw(Image: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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"One to watch – Anthony Gordon usually delivers in the big game for Newcastle, I can see him causing United a lot of problems. I can see an end-to-end, entertaining clash. 2-2."
Paul Merson: 2-2
"Newcastle look very tired. They don't look like the team that usually play at St James' Park. Just look at their recent results at home: 3-2 losses to Everton and Brentford, 2-0 loss to Villa, goalless draw against Wolves. It's not the Newcastle we knew.
"Bruno Fernandes is back to his best under Michael Carrick. But in that game against Crystal Palace, I thought Manchester United were very slow to start. They were fortunate to not concede two goals. If United start like that against Newcastle, they are in trouble!
Paul Merson
Paul Merson is going for the same scoreline that Harry Redknapp picked(Image: Getty Images)
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"Kobbie Mainoo has also stepped up so well in recent weeks. All Carrick has done is put everybody back in their best positions and they are playing freely. It's definitely a good time to be a Manchester United supporter.
"Newcastle are still a threat at home. They need their midfield three to start firing if they want to hurt Manchester United here. I expect an entertaining 2-2 draw."
Chris Sutton: 2-2
"Newcastle's inconsistency struck again in Saturday's home defeat by Everton, and who knows which team will turn up here.
"Manchester United were not great against Crystal Palace either, when they needed a penalty and Maxence Lacroix's red card to really change the game, but they still found a way to win it.
"Benjamin Sesko suddenly looks like a handful for Michael Carrick's side - he is big and physical and scored a brilliant header against Palace - so Newcastle will have to deal with him.
"It is hard to call this one but there have been so many great games between these two sides down the years, and this could be another classic. I reckon it'll finish 2-2."
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