MUN vs NEW Dream11 Match Prediction: Manchester United failed to capitalize on their wins against Tottenham and Manchester City after drawing to Everton at home followed by a defeat to bottom of the league Watford. The Red Devils will now be playing hosts to Newcastle United who not so long ago beat them at St. James Park thanks to a Mathew Longstaff goal. With the pressure on Ole Gunnar Soljskaer, nothing less but a win will be expected by the Manchester United faithful on boxing day. Both Manchester United and Newcastle United are currently on level terms with 25 points.
Match Details
Date- Thursday, December 26 | Kick-Off- 11:00 PM (IST) | Venue- Old Trafford
Manchester United
The positive news for United was that Paul Pogba came off the bench in the 2-0 loss to Watford and will be in contention of starting against Newcastle. Jese Lingard is expected to be on the bench to make way for the Frenchman. Mason Greenwood is certainly knocking on the door and could come in place of Dan James or Anthony Martial. David De Gea made a big mistake which led to the first goal against Watford but could be persisted with by Solsjkaer. Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo and Diogo Dalot are on the road to recovery.
Newcastle United
Jonjo Shelve and Miguel Almiron made their returns from injury in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace and should be starting here. Florian Lejeune is also back from his long term knee injury and could feature in the team sheet. Paul Dummett suffered a groin injury against Palace, while Jetro Willems recently sustained a knock which makes the duo doubtful to play a part. Allan Sain-Maximin, Ciaran Clark, Matt Richie are also on the sidelines due to injury.
MUN (Expected Playing 11)- De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Young; McTominay, Fred; Rashford, Pogba, Greenwood; Martial
NEW (Expected Playing 11)- Dubravka; Lejeune, Fernandez, Schar; Dummett, S Longstaff, Shelvey, Hayden, Yedlin; Almiron; Joelinton
Paul Pogba will be the centre attraction as he eyes his first start after two and a half long months. The Frenchman made a big impact against Watford and created the most number of chances from Manchester United‘s end. Pogba has two assists from 476 minutes with a pass accuracy of 81.4% so far.
Jonjo Shelvey has been an influential figure in Newcastle’s midfield. Shelvey has scored five goals from 12 appearances and has a pass accuracy of 73.5% this season.
Marcus Rasfhord on the left-hand side has looked lethal this season. The England international has 10 goals and four assists from 1580 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Federico Fernandez has been pivotal in Newcastle United‘s defence this season. Not only has Fernandez done well at the back but he’s also contributed through two goals and an assist from 12 appearances in the league this season.
With Newcastle United expected to sit at the back, the game will be all the more difficult for Manchester United. However, Paul Pogba’s return could be the focal point which makes the difference and gets the hosts those much needed three points.