Prediction & odds for the game: Newcastle (4/1) v Manchester United (8/13)

When: Saturday, 17th October @ 8pm K.O

Where: St James’ Park

Old foes will reunite once again as Newcastle United prepare to battle Manchester United in a fascinating Premier League clash.

Newcastle

Newcastle United supporters want to see the club hit the restart button, but big changes aren’t simply going to happen overnight – unless Mike Ashley randomly decides to step down, that is. The Magpies want to do all they can to avoid relegation but at the same time, they’re starting to feel as if they should be pushing their way up towards the top half of the table. They’re right, too, and they’re also right to question whether or not Steve Bruce is the right man to take them there.

They were embarrassed in the league by Brighton but after edging past Blackburn in the Carabao Cup, they recorded one of their biggest wins in the last few decades by demolishing Morecambe 7-0. They were fortunate to draw 1-1 against Tottenham and they just about beat Newport on penalties, but against Burnley, they actually looked quite good with a 3-1 win.

Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took a few late risks in the summer transfer window and it’s going to take a few months for us to really see whether or not those risks have actually paid off. At this moment in time they’re looking like a relegation side as opposed to one that can surge into the top four and even though that’s a lighthearted comment, it’s also starting to seem scarily accurate. This is a club in peril and they desperately need a light at the end of the tunnel.

The 3-1 loss to open up the season against Crystal Palace was embarrassing enough but against Tottenham in their last outing, they were truly humiliated in a 6-1 defeat. In between that, though, they did manage to put together three consecutive wins – two against Brighton and one against Luton.

Conclusion

This is going to be one of the most unattractive games of the season so far in the Premier League and both sets of fans will probably admit to that. Newcastle will try and work it up the pitch to the likes of Callum Wilson but their own shortcomings going forward will ultimately serve as their downfall. United are a pretty bad side right now but they’ve been able to grind out results in games like this before, and that’s exactly what we expect them to do on Tyneside.

The lack of motivation we have for this fixture should tell you that we’re going to be backing the under 2.5 goals market.

Verdict: Back the away win at odds of 8/13 and the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/10 (All odds are taken from bet365).

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