Newcastle vs Man United: EPL Match Preview, Predicted Line-ups and Fantasy XI

Newcastle vs Man United will aim to further their objectives in the top-four race when they clash at St. James' Park on Sunday.

Match Details:

• Location: Newcastle, England
• Stadium: St James' Park
• Date: Sunday 2 April
• Kick-off Time: 16:30 BST / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
• Referee: Stuart Attwell
• VAR: Andy Madley

Newcastle vs Man United: Match Preview:

Newcastle United seemed to be slipping up in February, dropping a lot of points in the month. The Magpies were also on the losing end in the Carabao Cup final, where they lost to Manchester United.

But Eddie Howe's men picked up form heading into the international break, with the most recent result being a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.

That result has left Newcastle United just three points behind Manchester United, with both teams playing the same number of games. And with the Red Devils failing to win their last two Premier League games, the hosts will fancy their chances.

Eddie Howe on Miguel Almirón:

"I'd love him to beat the timescale given, but I don't see it currently. He's making good progress and he's pain free so I don't think there's any long term issues but it's just the time it takes for the muscle to heal. I think we're four weeks off,… pic.twitter.com/WMfMCHIzZq

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 31, 2023

But Erik ten Hag's charges also went into the international break on a high, beating Fulham to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

The reverse fixture was a drab goalless draw, with Manchester United and Newcastle United managing only four shots on target between them.

Team News:

Newcastle:

Anthony Gordon is still touch and go to be fit for Sunday's clash, having spent time in Dubai during the international break for rehab on an ankle problem.

🗣 "We are where we are on merit at the moment and we want more."

12 huge games left to go! 💪

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 31, 2023

Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin all reported injuries or illness after the 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest but have been passed fit and available for manager Eddie Howe.

Sven Botman was one of the Netherlands players to be affected by a sickness outbreak but should be fine to start here. Miguel Almiron and Emil Krafth are both absent, but Joelinton should start on his return from suspension.

Man United:

Casemiro remains suspended for this game as well as clashes with Brentford and Everton after his second red card of the season. There is hope Christian Eriksen can return from his lay-off soon, but this match will come too soon.

Suits you, @B_Fernandes8 🔥

Let's go for another one in April 🙌#MUFC pic.twitter.com/gwTTuRwePR

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 1, 2023

Marcus Rashford dropped out of the England squad during the break but manager Erik ten Hag expects the forward to be ready in time. Anthony Martial has been training consistently for two weeks and could make the matchday squad.

Raphael Varane and Marcel Sabitzer should shake off knocks to start, but Donny van de Beek and Alejandro Garnacho are long-term absentees.

Newcastle vs Man United: Head to Head:

• Manchester United have an impressive historical record against Newcastle United and have won 91 out of the 175 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Newcastle United's 43 victories.
• Newcastle United are winless in their last six matches against Manchester United in the Premier League but have played out draws in their last two such games.
• Manchester United have won 14 away games against Newcastle United in the Premier League – more than they have managed against any other team in the competition.
• Newcastle United held Manchester United to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture and will look to keep consecutive clean sheets against the Red Devils for the first time since 1997.

💥 @MarcusRashford sealed the win last time we faced Newcastle 👀

Who are you backing to shine on Sunday afternoon? ⭐️#MUFC || #NEWMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 1, 2023

Predicted Line-ups:

Newcastle predicted lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Saint-Maximin.

Man Utd predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot; Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Sabitzer, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst.

NU vs MU: Fantasy XI

De Gea; Trippier, Varane, Martinez,Shaw; Sabitzer,Guimaraes, Joelinton; Isak, Saint-Maximin, Rashford.